Protests and Shutdowns Engulf 61st Venice Biennale Opening

The preview week for the 61st Venice Biennale, which opens to the public on May 9, has been marked by protests and a crisis within the institution. On May 5, 60 artists participating in Koyo Kouoh's exhibition 'In Minor Keys' performed 'Solidarity Drone Chorus' outside the Giardini, utilizing drone sounds from Ahmed Muin's 'Drone Song' (2025). Daily protests are set to continue until May 8. On May 6, the Art Not Genocide Alliance (ANGA) staged a demonstration outside Israel's pavilion, causing a two-hour shutdown, while criticizing the Biennale for allowing Israel's participation during renovations. Additionally, Pussy Riot and FEMEN protested outside the Russian pavilion. The European Commission had previously retracted EUR 2 million in funding on April 23, and the jury resigned on April 30, leading to changes in award eligibility. Iran also withdrew its pavilion on May 4.