The jury of the Venice Biennale has announced it will not award prizes to artists from countries whose leaders are facing charges of crimes against humanity, a decision widely seen as targeting Russia and Israel. In a statement, the five-member jury affirmed its commitment to the defense of human rights, aligning with the vision of the late curator Koyo Kouoh, who was appointed to lead the 2026 edition before her death. The jury said it would refrain from considering artists from nations whose leaders are charged by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Jury's Decision and ICC Warrants
The jury is responsible for selecting winners of the Golden and Silver Lion awards among 110 artists participating in the Biennale, which opens on 9 May. Although the statement did not name specific countries, Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro confirmed that the jury informed his council they could not award artists from governments under ICC investigation. The ICC has issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin over alleged war crimes in Ukraine, and for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Controversy Over Russia's Pavilion
Biennale organizers have faced criticism for allowing Russia to reopen its pavilion at the event, which runs until 22 November. The European Commission has sent a letter threatening to terminate or suspend its €2 million grant due to Russia's participation, giving the Biennale 30 days to respond. Italy's far-right government also opposed the move, with Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli stating the decision was made independently by the Biennale Foundation despite government opposition.
In February 2022, after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Biennale condemned the aggression and barred Kremlin-linked individuals from the event. Russia was absent from the 2022 and 2024 editions. In March, Ukrainian officials urged organizers to reconsider Russia's participation, arguing the Biennale must not become a stage for whitewashing war crimes. The jury's statement, nominated by Kouoh, reinforces a stance against human rights violations.
