The traditional Golden Lion award will not be presented at this year's Venice Art Biennale after the entire jury resigned just days before the event, citing disputes over the inclusion of Russia and Israel. The ceremony, usually a highlight of the opening, has been scrapped.
The five-member jury had previously stated they would not consider countries whose leaders face International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants — a move directly targeting Russia's Vladimir Putin and Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu. It remains unclear whether the jury was asked to step down by Biennale organizers.
Instead, visitors will vote throughout the Biennale's run, with the "Visitor Lions" awarded on the final day, November 22. The event runs from May 9 to November 22, featuring 100 national pavilions, including seven first-time participants. Iran withdrew on May 4 amid Middle East tensions.
The main exhibition, "In Minor Keys," was curated by the late Koyo Kouoh, who died of cancer in May 2025. The Biennale decided to posthumously present her project, which includes 111 artists and focuses on marginalized voices.
Russia's pavilion will be open only during preview days (May 6–8) after public backlash. Russian artists' performances will be recorded and broadcast. The feminist group Pussy Riot plans a protest performance. The EU threatened to suspend its €2 million grant over Russia's participation, sparking a political row in Italy's government.
South African artist Gabrielle Goliath was barred from her pavilion after refusing to alter a work deemed "highly divisive" by the culture minister. Australia initially dropped artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino under political pressure but reversed the decision after an independent review.
Nearly 200 artists and curators signed a letter calling for Israel's exclusion from the Biennale, with a second letter also targeting Russia and the US. The Israeli pavilion is located in the Arsenale due to renovations in the Giardini.
Germany's pavilion, titled "Ruin," explores the GDR and post-reunification period. The Vatican's exhibition features an all-star lineup including Brian Eno, Patti Smith, and FKA Twigs.
Source: www.dw.com