The international jury for the upcoming 61st Venice Biennale announced its resignation on April 30, citing disagreements with organizers over Russia’s inclusion in this year’s event. This decision follows the jury’s previous statement that it would not consider works from artists from countries whose leaders are under investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
While the jury did not specify which countries were involved, it is known that the ICC has issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In light of the jury’s resignation, the Venice Biennale has rescheduled its awards ceremony, originally set for the opening day on May 9, to November 22, coinciding with the exhibition’s closing.
On March 4, Biennale organizers confirmed that Russia would be allowed to participate in the event, which runs from May 9 to November 22, marking the first time since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This decision has drawn criticism, including from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
In a joint statement, 22 EU culture ministers, along with Ukraine’s cultural representative and Germany’s Foreign Minister Johan Wadephul, expressed that Russia’s involvement in the Biennale is unacceptable given the ongoing conflict and aggression against Ukraine. Ukrainian officials Andriy Sibiga and Tetiana Berezhna also urged the Biennale to bar Russia from participating in the cultural showcase.
In response to the situation, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on five Russian cultural figures who are accused of justifying aggression and promoting Russian propaganda at international events. The Ukrainian President’s Office noted that these individuals are linked to Russia’s participation in the 61st Venice Biennale.
Additionally, on April 23, the European Commission announced it would withdraw its €2 million funding for the Venice Biennale due to Russia’s inclusion in the exhibition. The Venice Biennale is one of the largest international cultural exhibitions, held biennially and encompassing various forms of art, including architecture, cinema, music, dance, and theater.
This year’s participation by Russia will be its first since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine over four years ago.
The Venice Biennale's jury has resigned in protest against Russia's participation, prompting a rescheduling of the awards ceremony. The decision has drawn significant criticism from various European officials and has led to sanctions against Russian cultural figures.