Venice Biennale 2026: Jury Resigns, Golden Lion Award Disrupted
The upcoming 61st Venice Biennale, scheduled for May to November 2026, is facing significant turmoil after the resignation of its entire international jury. This dramatic step was taken in response to awarding the Golden Lion to nations led by leaders facing war crime allegations. Despite the controversy, the Biennale will not exclude any national pavilions and will implement a public voting mechanism for awards instead. The situation has prompted protests, including a rally by Pussy Riot on May 6 and a strike by the Art Not Genocide Alliance on May 8. Tensions are rising with EU authorities over potential funding reductions, straining ties with Italy's Ministry of Culture.
Key facts
- 61st Venice Biennale main exhibition titled 'In Minor Keys' conceived by curator Koyo Kouoh before her death in May 2025.
- International jury resigned: Solange Oliveira Farkas, Zoe Butt, Elvira Dyangani Ose, Marta Kuzma, Giovanna Zapperi.
- Jury objected to awarding Golden Lion to pavilions of countries whose leaders face war crimes accusations.
- Biennale administration substituted professional jury deliberation with a public vote for the Golden Lion.
- Dozens of artists and national pavilions withdrew from award consideration.
- Protests: Pussy Riot rally on May 6 outside Russian pavilion; Art Not Genocide Alliance and Italian labor unions strike on May 8.
- EU opposed Biennale's stance and threatened to withhold funding; tensions with Italy's Ministry of Culture.
- Disagreement widely understood as response to hosting Russian and Israeli pavilions.
Entities
Artists
- Koyo Kouoh
- Solange Oliveira Farkas
- Zoe Butt
- Elvira Dyangani Ose
- Marta Kuzma
- Giovanna Zapperi
- Pussy Riot
Institutions
- Venice Biennale
- Art Not Genocide Alliance
- Italian labor unions
- European Union
- Italy's Ministry of Culture
- Russian pavilion
- Israeli pavilion
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Russian pavilion
- Israeli pavilion