Venice Biennale Jury Resigns Over Russia and Israel Participation
On April 30, 2026, the international jury of the Venice Biennale announced their collective resignation, just eight days after declaring they would exclude Russia and Israel from award considerations. This jury, appointed by the late Art Director Koyo Kuouh, emphasized their dedication to human rights and their refusal to engage with nations whose leaders face charges of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court. Members included Solange Farkas (chair), Elvira Dyangani Ose, Zoe Butt, Marta Kuzma, and Giovanna Zapperi. The Biennale Foundation acknowledged the resignation. Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli opted out of the preview and opening due to Russia's involvement but expressed support for Israeli artist Belu-Simion Fainaru. The foundation opposes censorship, and the resignation aligns with the Art Not Genocide Alliance's boycott call, which has garnered significant support.
Key facts
- The Venice Biennale international jury resigned on April 30, 2026.
- The jury had stated on April 22 they would omit Russia and Israel from awards consideration.
- The jury cited commitment to human rights and refusal to consider countries with leaders charged by the ICC.
- Jury members: Elvira Dyangani Ose, Zoe Butt, Marta Kuzma, Giovanna Zapperi, Solange Farkas (chair).
- The Biennale Foundation confirmed receipt of the resignation.
- Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli skipped the preview and opening ceremony due to Russia's participation.
- Giuli pledged to promote Israeli artist Belu-Simion Fainaru's work in Italy.
- The Biennale Foundation rejects exclusion or censorship of culture and art.
- The resignation supports the Art Not Genocide Alliance's boycott call over Israel's participation.
- Thousands of signatories, national pavilion artists, and In Minor Keys exhibitors endorsed related missives.
Entities
Artists
- Elvira Dyangani Ose
- Zoe Butt
- Marta Kuzma
- Giovanna Zapperi
- Solange Farkas
- Koyo Kuouh
- Belu-Simion Fainaru
- Alessandro Giuli
- Koyo Kouoh
- Solange Oliveira Farkas
- Vladimir Putin
- Benjamin Netanyahu
- Oriol Vilanova
Institutions
- Venice Biennale
- Biennale Foundation
- International Criminal Court
- Art Not Genocide Alliance (ANGA)
- e-flux
- Hyperallergic
- Haaretz
- Italian Ministry of Culture
- European Commission
- Bienal de Venecia
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Russia
- Israel
- Ukraine
- Gaza
- Brazil