US Edition
The Venice Biennale jury resigns amid tensions over awards ban, Russian participation
Organizers will let visitors choose the prizes after the jury quit over disputes tied to Russia and Israel, ending the traditional Golden Lion process.
- On April 30, 2026, the 61st Venice Biennale's international jury resigned in full, prompting organizers to scrap traditional awards and hand voting to the public, returning Russia and Israel to prize contention.
- The jury's departure followed its April 22 statement pledging to exclude nations whose leaders face International Criminal Court charges, asserting their commitment to human rights defense.
- Stressing inclusivity, the Biennale Foundation maintains that it "rejects any form of exclusion or censorship of culture and art," distancing itself from the jury's autonomous eligibility limits.
- Growing global pressure includes a joint protest by culture ministers from 22 countries and objections from over 70 artists, while Europe previously threatened to pull a 2 million Euro grant over Russia's participation.
- Russia's pavilion will remain physically open for only four days, from May 5 to May 8, during industry previews, after which "The Tree Is Rooted In the Sky" will close to the public.
175 Articles
175 Articles
Pressure is mounting at the Venice Biennale after the jury withdrew in protest against the participation of Israel and Russia.
The whole of the international jury of the Venice Biennale of Contemporary Art resigned to protest against Russia's presence, a decision that arouses diplomatic and political tensions
Venice Biennale Jury Resigns En Masse Over Russia’s Controversial Return
The entire international jury of the Venice Biennale has resigned ahead of the opening of the 2026 exhibition, following controversy linked to Russia’s return to the event for the first time since the Ukraine war began.
Together with documenta in Kassel, the show in Venice is considered the most important exhibition of contemporary art in the world. Shortly before the beginning, however, it is only about politics. In focus: Russia and Israel.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
