US EditionVenice Biennale Jury Excludes Israel and Russia From Top Prizes
- On Thursday, April 23, 2026, the five-member Venice Biennale awards jury, led by Brazilian curator Solange Oliveira Farkas, announced it will exclude countries from competition if their leaders face International Criminal Court charges for crimes against humanity.
- While the jury statement avoided naming specific nations, the ruling targets Russia and Israel, whose leaders, President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, hold ICC arrest warrants for alleged war crimes.
- Artists exhibiting in 'In Minor Keys' supported the jury's decision, echoing pressure from The Art Not Genocide Alliance , which represents nearly 10,000 signatories opposing Russia's return to the exhibition.
- The ruling escalates political tensions at the 2026 edition, running May 9 to November 22, as the European Union moved to withdraw a $2.3 million grant over Russia's participation.
- Biennale leadership has not issued an official statement, though Biennale president Pietrangelo Buttafuoco defended the foundation's open-door approach, while the jury remains responsible for awarding two Golden Lions.
42 Articles
42 Articles
The international jury of the 61st Venice Art Biennial, which will begin on May 9, has announced that it will exclude Russia and Israel from the competition for the awards because they are countries whose leaders “are currently accused of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court.” Continue reading
Venice Biennale Jury Excludes Russia and Israel From Awards Considerations
Jurors at the Venice Biennale have disqualified Russian and Israeli artists from consideration for the prestigious Golden and Silver Lion awards this year, citing International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants for the leaders of both countries. “This jury will refrain from the consideration of those countries whose leaders are currently charged with crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court,” the five-member panel said Thu…
Venice Biennale Jury Bars Russian, Israeli Artists From Awards Over ICC Warrants
Jurors at the Venice Biennale International Art Exhibition announced they will not consider awards for artists from countries whose leaders face International Criminal Court (ICC) charges, effectively excluding Russia and Israel, Reuters reported on April 23. The five jury members, responsible for awarding the prestigious Golden and Silver Lions among 110 participants at the event opening May 9, stated their decision is a commitment to the defen…
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