Venice Biennale President Under Fire After Jury Resigns

Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, president of the Venice Biennale, faces mounting criticism just days before the opening of the 61st edition. Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli accused Buttafuoco of conducting unauthorized foreign policy by readmitting Russia to the exhibition, calling him a victim of a 'pacifist fantasy.' The entire jury resigned last week over disputes regarding the treatment of Russia and Israel, leading to the cancellation of the opening ceremony and the traditional Golden Lion awards. Prizes will now be decided by visitor vote in November. Buttafuoco, a journalist and writer appointed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing government in March 2024, was previously considered an ally of Giuli. The minister stated that foreign policy is the responsibility of the government and parliament, and that the Biennale has suffered significant reputational damage. The Biennale, alongside Documenta in Kassel, is one of the most important contemporary art events. This year's edition has been entangled in global politics: Russia returns for the first time since 2022 amid the Ukraine war, and the jury excluded both Russia and Israel from prize consideration. National pavilions are already open to industry professionals before the official public opening on Saturday.