Iran withdraws from 2026 Venice Biennale amid escalating crisis

Iran will not participate in the 2026 Venice Biennale, according to a press release dated May 4 on the Biennale's website. The decision, announced on the eve of the event, deepens the instability already surrounding the 61st International Art Exhibition, titled "In Minor Keys" and curated by Koyo Kouoh (May 9 to November 22, 2026). Official reasons for the withdrawal were not detailed, but it occurs amid strong international pressure regarding the participation of certain countries. The Biennale has faced criticism and tensions related to nations involved in conflicts and political stances within the global art system. Iran's exit adds to a series of events reshaping this edition, including the collective resignation of the international jury and a reformulation of the awards system. These changes highlight the direct impact of geopolitical disputes on one of the most important contemporary art platforms. The 2026 Biennale is thus becoming one of the most controversial in recent history, marked by boycotts, absences, and institutional reconfigurations, transforming it from a mere exhibition space into a field of tension between culture, diplomacy, and global power.