Venice Biennale jury resigns over Russia, Israel participation

The international jury for the Venice Biennale resigned collectively on Thursday in protest over the festival's decision to allow Russia and Israel to participate in this year's event, despite neither country being eligible for official awards. The jury, including President Solange Farkas and members Zoe Butt, Elvira Dyangani Ose, Marta Kuzma, and Giovanna Zapperi, had previously announced that Russia and Israel would be excluded from award consideration because their leaders face accusations of crimes against humanity. In response, the Biennale announced it will instead allow visitors to vote for the prize winner, with the announcement delayed from May 9 to November 22. Italy's Culture Ministry has launched an investigation into the Biennale Foundation, dispatching inspectors to examine documents and financial records related to the planned reopening of the Russian pavilion, as well as the pavilions of Iran and Israel. The European Commission condemned the decision to restore Russia's national pavilion, which had been cut off since February 2022 over the Ukraine conflict. Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli, who has refused to attend the festival's opening on May 9, also sent inspectors to review the management's decision to admit Russia. Biennale Foundation President Pietrangelo Buttafuoco defended the inclusion, comparing the institution to "the UN of art, from which no nation can be excluded," and argued for providing artistic dialogue to countries including Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Palestine, and Iran. Some Italian politicians, including Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, echoed this sentiment, saying the art world should not become a victim of politics. The 61st Biennale opens May 9 and runs through November 22, marking one of the most significant disruptions in the prestigious art festival's history.