Venice Biennale 2026: Russia Return, Israel Boycott, and South Africa Controversy
The upcoming 61st Venice Biennale in 2026 is embroiled in geopolitical disputes as Russia makes a comeback following its withdrawal in 2022, leading Italian culture minister Alessandro Giuli to announce a boycott of the opening week. A collective of nearly 10,000 artists has signed a letter advocating for ethical standards. The EU has retracted €2 million in funding for 2028, emphasizing that art should not serve as propaganda. Leaked communications have shown Biennale president Pietrangelo Buttafuoco and officials collaborating with commissioner Anastasia Karneeva to circumvent EU sanctions. Activists are pushing for Israel's removal, and the jury will exclude nations facing ICC charges from top awards, affecting both Israel and Russia. Additionally, South Africa's pavilion is shut down after culture minister Gayton McKenzie canceled Gabrielle Goliath's exhibition. Newcomers include El Salvador, Ecuador, and others.
Key facts
- Russia returns to Venice Biennale in 2026 after 2022 withdrawal.
- Italian culture minister Alessandro Giuli boycotts opening week.
- Nearly 10,000 sign open letter against Russia's participation.
- EU withdraws €2 million funding for 2028 edition.
- Leaked emails show Biennale officials worked with Anastasia Karneeva to bypass sanctions.
- Jury excludes countries with ICC charges from top prizes, affecting Israel and Russia.
- South Africa's pavilion closed after Gabrielle Goliath's exhibition canceled.
- Koyo Kouoh's main exhibition features 111 artists, 90% living.
Entities
Artists
- Alfredo Jaar
- Lubaina Himid
- Brian Eno
- Tabita Rezaire
- Tai Shani
- Yto Barrada
- Sophia Al-Maria
- Meriem Bennani
- Nadya Tolokonnikova
- Belu-Simion Fainaru
- Ruth Patir
- Noland Oswald Dennis
- Nicholas Hlobo
- Helen Sebidi
- Gabrielle Goliath
- Hiba Abu Nada
- Ipeleng Christine Moholane
- Khaled Sabsabi
- Archie Moore
- Alma Allen
- Henrike Naumann
- Koyo Kouoh
- Tarek Atoui
- Fadi Kattan
- Ralph Rugoff
- Adriano Pedrosa
- Cecilia Alemani
- Andriy Sybiha
- Tetyana Berezhna
- Mikhail Shvydkoy
- Kirill Savchenkov
- Alexandra Sukhareva
- Raimundas Malašauskas
- Simone Weil
- Alessandro Giuli
- Pietrangelo Buttafuoco
- Cristiana Costanzo
- Sorin Heller
- Avital Bar-Shay
- Tiziana Cera Rosco
Institutions
- Venice Biennale
- Art Not Genocide Alliance (ANGA)
- International Criminal Court (ICC)
- European Union
- Rostec
- Creative Australia
- Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA)
- Bertha Foundation
- Ibraaz
- Artnet News
- Biennale Foundation
- Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Italian Ministry of Culture
- European Parliament
- South Africa's culture ministry
- South African Pavilion
- Campaign for Free Expression
- Ahmed Kathrada Foundation
- Corruption Watch
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Russia
- Israel
- South Africa
- Palestine
- Ukraine
- United States
- Iran
- El Salvador
- Ecuador
- Morocco
- Somalia
- Sierra Leone
- Vietnam
- Nauru
- Guinea
- Qatar
- Australia
- Germany
- Dakar
- Senegal
- Beirut
- London
- Berlin
- New York
- Palazzo Mora
- Castello 1636/A
- Arsenale
- Palazzo Caboto
- Liceo Guggenheim
- Ca' Giustinian Faccanon
- Calle Bosello 3683
- San Servolo island
- Giardini
- Chiesa di Sant'Antonin
- Lithuania
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Mali
- Mexico
- Gaza
Sources
- Artnet News —
- ArtsHub UK —
- Exibart —
- Artsy —