Iran Withdraws from 2026 Venice Biennale Amid Escalating Geopolitical Tensions

With one day left before the 61st Venice Biennale previews, the Biennale Foundation announced on May 4 that Iran will not participate in the national pavilion exhibition. The withdrawal follows U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran two months prior and coincides with renewed attacks along the Strait of Hormuz, ending a temporary ceasefire. Little is known about the planned pavilion except that Aydin Mehdizadeh Tehrani, director general of the visual arts office in Iran's Ministry of Culture, was listed as commissioner as of March 4. The Biennale's press release simply stated that Iran will not participate, noting that the event now includes 100 nations, with Tanzania and Seychelles added in March. Iran has had an inconsistent presence at the Biennale since 1958, with a long absence between the 1960s and 2003 due to the Islamic Revolution, but has participated semi-consistently over the last two decades, most recently in 2024. The 2026 edition has faced controversy over the inclusion of Russia and Israel, prompting boycott calls and protest actions. Hundreds of artists and curators signed letters demanding Israel's exclusion over its actions in Palestine. The awards jury resigned en masse after initially deciding to omit Israel and Russia from Golden Lion consideration, leading the Foundation to introduce "Visitor Lions" awarded by public vote.