Biennale Arte 2026 Introduces Two Visitor Lions Awards

Due to the resignation of the International Jury for the 61st International Art Exhibition, appointed by Koyo Kouoh, and the exceptional international geopolitical situation, La Biennale di Venezia has postponed the award ceremony from May 9 to November 22, 2026, the final day open to visitors. This mirrors the precedent set during the 2021 Architecture Biennale due to COVID-19. Two new Visitor Lions have been instituted: one for the best participant of the exhibition "In Minor Keys" curated by Koyo Kouoh, and one for the best National Participation. Ticket holders who visit both exhibition venues between May 9 and November 22 are eligible to vote, with tracking via the ticketing system. Each ticket holder may cast one vote per award in a single session. Artist collectives are considered individual participants. All National Participations in the official list compete for the National Participation Lion, adhering to principles of inclusion and equal treatment. La Biennale reaffirms its role as a place of truce in the name of art, culture, and artistic freedom.