Venice Biennale in crisis: President Buttafuoco under fire after jury resigns

The Venice Biennale faces a major crisis just before its opening on Saturday, May 9, 2026. After the entire jury resigned over disputes regarding the participation of Russia and Israel, the opening ceremony and Golden Lion awards have been canceled. Prizes will now be awarded only on the final day in November, decided by visitor vote rather than a jury. Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli publicly criticized Biennale President Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, accusing him of pursuing unauthorized foreign policy by readmitting Russia. Giuli told La Repubblica that Buttafuoco became 'a victim of a pacifist fantasy' and caused significant 'image damage' to the Biennale. Buttafuoco, a journalist and writer from the right-wing camp, was appointed in March 2024 by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government. The 61st edition marks the first time since 2022 that Russian art is included amid the Ukraine war. The Biennale, held every two years, is one of the world's most important contemporary art events alongside documenta in Kassel.