Critics urged to seize opportunity as Biennale Visitor Lions replace international jury

The Venice Biennale has introduced the 'Leoni dei Visitatori' (Visitor Lions) after the resignation of the International Jury, shifting award power to the public. Alberto Villa, writing for Artribune, argues this creates a pivotal moment for art critics: they can now actively guide audience taste rather than merely reporting jury decisions. Villa warns that visitors, overwhelmed by the scale of the Giardini and Arsenale, will rely on media coverage to choose pavilions, giving critics indirect influence over the awards. He calls for responsible, critical writing that avoids snobbery and jargon, and urges critics to take both their role and the voting public seriously. The 61st International Art Exhibition opens in Venice in May 2026.