ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Venice Biennale jury resigns en masse over Russia participation dispute

festival-fair · 2026-04-30

The entire jury of the Venice Biennale has resigned collectively after months of conflict regarding Russia's involvement in the event. Ukraine opposes the return of the Russian national pavilion, and the European Union has threatened to withdraw funding. Despite these pressures, the president of Europe's most significant art biennale insists on not excluding any country. The mass resignation underscores the deep divisions within the art world over how to respond to Russia's cultural presence amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Key facts

  • The Venice Biennale jury resigned en masse.
  • The resignation followed months of dispute over Russia's participation.
  • Ukraine is protesting the return of the Russian pavilion.
  • The EU threatened to cut funding for the Biennale.
  • The Biennale president refuses to exclude any nation.
  • The conflict highlights tensions in the art world regarding Russia.
  • The resignation is a collective action by the entire jury.
  • The dispute centers on Russia's involvement in the event.

Entities

Institutions

  • Venice Biennale
  • European Union

Locations

  • Venice
  • Italy
  • Ukraine
  • Russia

Sources