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Venice Biennale artists threaten legal action over forced Lions inclusion

award · 2026-06-04

An open letter was released on June 3 by over 100 artists and teams involved in the 61st Venice Biennale, declaring their intent to take legal action against the Venice Biennale Foundation. This decision comes after their requests to withdraw from the Visitors' Lions Awards were consistently ignored. Initially, on May 9, the opening day, 52 artists from the central exhibition In Minor Keys and 16 from National Pavilions sought to withdraw, later increasing to 67 and 39, respectively, in support of the International Jury, which resigned on April 30 due to the Biennale's refusal to exclude nations with leaders facing crimes against humanity charges by the International Criminal Court. A follow-up letter sent on May 20 went unanswered. The letter criticizes the lack of response as disrespectful and highlights the unfairness of asking the public to vote in a non-transparent process. Notable signatories include Pio Abad, Sammy Baloji, and many others from various National Pavilions.

Key facts

  • Open letter published 3 June announces legal action against Venice Biennale Foundation
  • Over 100 artists and teams signed the letter
  • First withdrawal request made on 9 May, opening day of Biennale
  • 52 artists from In Minor Keys and 16 from National Pavilions initially withdrew
  • International Jury resigned on 30 April over refusal to exclude countries charged with crimes against humanity
  • Second letter sent 20 May received no reply
  • Visitors' Lions ballots still include names of artists who rejected consideration
  • Artists cite lack of transparency and accountability

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Venice Biennale
  • Venice Biennale Foundation
  • International Criminal Court
  • La Biennale di Venezia
  • Icelandic Art Center
  • Ministry of Culture and Media (Croatia)

Locations

  • Venice
  • Italy
  • Belgium
  • Luxembourg
  • France
  • Slovenia
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • Switzerland
  • Spain
  • Netherlands
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Ecuador
  • Ireland
  • Kosovo
  • Finland
  • Czech Republic
  • Slovakia
  • Cyprus
  • Albania
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Türkiye
  • Grenada
  • Iceland
  • Moldova
  • Estonia
  • Ukraine
  • Croatia
  • Austria
  • San Marino
  • Nordic Countries
  • Denmark
  • Britain
  • Chile
  • Bulgaria
  • Philippines
  • Romania
  • Mexico
  • Malta
  • Aotearoa New Zealand

Sources

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