Geopolitical tensions overshadow 2026 Venice Biennale as Israel and Russia return

The 2026 Venice Art Biennale is embroiled in geopolitical controversy as Israel returns after a one-year absence and Russia participates for the first time since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Israel's pavilion was closed in 2024 when artist Ruth Patir withdrew, leaving a note demanding a ceasefire. This year, artist Belu-Simion Fainaru presents 'Rose of Nothingness' in the Arsenale, a project first shown in Berlin in 2015 and at Art Basel in 2019. The Art Not Genocide Alliance (ANGA) has renewed calls for a boycott and is organizing strikes with Italian unions to disrupt the Biennale. Russia's pavilion, which was lent to Bolivia in 2024, hosts 'The Tree is Rooted in the Sky,' a musical project curated by Anastasia Karneeva. The European Union withdrew €2 million in funding over Russia's inclusion. Ukraine's foreign and culture ministers condemned the decision. Italy's culture minister Alessandro Giuli demanded documentation on Russia's return and called for board representative Tamara Gregoretti to step down. Other pavilions affected by political turmoil include Iran (participation uncertain), Australia (artist Khaled Sabsabi reappointed after being dropped), and South Africa (pavilion empty after minister blocked Gabrielle Goliath's project). Biennale president Pietrangelo Buttafuoco stated the organization rejects exclusion or censorship of culture.