The jury of the Venice Biennale has resigned just days before the prestigious art exhibition is set to begin, amid a controversy over the decision to allow Russia to participate. The five-member international jury's resignation was announced late Thursday by the Biennale organizers, following a visit by Italian culture ministry inspectors to Venice seeking information about Russia's pavilion.
In response, the Biennale announced that the award ceremony for the 61st international art exhibition, originally scheduled for May 9, has been moved to November 22. It added that two awards will be presented, with one potentially going to any national participation included in the official list, adhering to principles of inclusion and equal treatment. The Biennale stated that this aligns with its founding spirit of openness, dialogue, and rejection of censorship.
The jury had previously declared it would not award artists from countries whose leaders face International Criminal Court charges for crimes against humanity, a move seen as targeting Russia and Israel. The jury, selected by the late curator Koyo Kouoh, was led by Solange Farkas and included Zoe Butt, Elvira Dyangani Ose, Marta Kuzma, and Giovanna Zapperi.
Organizers have faced weeks of criticism for allowing Russia to reopen its pavilion. Following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the Biennale condemned the aggression and barred Kremlin-linked individuals from the 2022 edition, but never formally excluded Russia. The European Commission threatened to suspend a €2 million grant over Russia's involvement. Italy's far-right government also opposed the decision, with Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli noting it was made independently by the Biennale Foundation. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, a Putin supporter, welcomed Russia's return.
The Biennale defended its stance as an open institution rejecting exclusion or censorship. In March, Ukrainian officials urged reconsideration, warning against whitewashing war crimes, and a group of MEPs condemned Russia's inclusion as unacceptable.
