Due to the participation of Russia and Israel in the competition: the Venice Biennale jury has resigned
1 May 11:17
The international jury of the 61st Venice Biennale, scheduled to open on May 9, has resigned, reports "Komersant Ukrainian", citing Interfax-Ukraine.
“As of April 30, 2026, we, the international jury selected by Koyo Kuo, artistic director of the 61st Venice Biennale titled ‘In Minor Keys,’ have resigned. We are doing this to reaffirm our Declaration of Intent, published on April 22, 2026,” the jury members’ statement reads.
The previously released Declaration of Intent concerns the decision to exclude from the competition for the “Golden” and “Silver Lion” awards those countries “whose leaders are currently accused by the International Criminal Court of crimes against humanity,” which effectively refers to Russia and Israel.
Watch us on YouTube: important topics – without censorship
The jury is chaired by Solange Oliveira Farkas, founder and artistic director of Associao Cultural Videobrasil. In addition to her, the jury includes Zoe Batt, curator and founder of the in-tangible institute and artistic director of deCentral; Elvira Dyangani Ose, curator and artistic director of the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial; Martha Kuzma, curator and professor at the Yale School of Art; and Giovanna Zapperi, art historian and professor at the University of Geneva.
All members signed the statement.
As previously reported, the jury of the 2026 Venice Biennale excluded Russia and Israel from the list of contenders for the Venice Biennale’s top awards—the Golden and Silver Lions—explaining that the leaders of these countries are accused by the International Criminal Court of crimes against humanity.
“No awards will be given to countries accused of crimes against humanity that are represented at the 2026 Art Biennale. Therefore, Russia and Israel are also excluded from the competition for the Golden and Silver Lions,” the jury stated.
Previously, the European Commission informed the Venice Biennale of its intention to terminate a EUR2 million contract due to the decision to allow Russians to participate.
Ukraine is urging Italy, as the host country, not to issue visas to Russian participants in the 2026 Venice Biennale, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga said during a meeting with journalists.
Earlier in March, the European Commission strongly condemned the Venice Biennale Foundation’s intention to allow Russia to reopen its national pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale in 2026 and stated that it may consider further steps if this decision is implemented.
Read us on Telegram: important topics – without censorship
