Venice Biennale 2026 International Jury Resigns Over Israel and Russia Exclusion

The 61st Venice Biennale, set to commence on 9 May 2026, faces a significant development as the entire International Jury has resigned. On 30 April 2026, the five-member jury, appointed by artistic director Koyo Kouoh, released a concise statement announcing their departure. This decision follows a Statement of Intention from 22 April 2026, which specified that any nation whose leaders are facing charges of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court would be barred from competing for the Golden and Silver Lions, specifically targeting Russia and Israel. The jury, led by Solange Oliveira Farkas, included notable figures such as Zoe Butt, Elvira Dyangani Ose, Marta Kuzma, and Giovanna Zapperi. The Biennale, titled In Minor Keys, will continue without the jury, raising concerns about the awarding of prizes.