International Jury Steps Down at Venice Biennale
The six-member international jury for the 61st Venice Biennale has resigned amid a dispute over the presence of national pavilions for Russia and Israel. Led by chair Solange Oliveira Farkas, all members relinquished their roles following a meeting with Biennale President Pietrangelo Buttafuoco and a visit from inspectors dispatched by Italy’s Ministry of Culture to review the reopening of the Russian pavilion.
Jury Members and Fallout
The resigning jury included the following experts:
- Solange Farkas (chair)
- Zoe Butt
- Elvira Dyangani Ose
- Marta Kuzma
- Giovanna Zapperi
The Venice Biennale confirmed receipt of resignation letters from the International Jury of the 61st International Art Exhibition, titled 'Stranieri Ovunque' (Foreigners Everywhere). The exhibition is scheduled to run from May 9 to November 22, 2026.
Additionally, the European Union has officially withdrawn funding for the Venice Biennale due to the decision to reopen the Russian pavilion. The jury’s resignation also stems from allegations by the International Criminal Court against leaders of Russia and Israel. As a result, the jury had decided not to consider artists from these countries for the main awards.
The controversy surrounding the participation of the Russian and Israeli pavilions has triggered major shifts at the Venice Biennale, leading to serious repercussions for this international cultural event.
The jury’s departure and the EU’s funding cut underscore the severity of cultural and political tensions affecting global art initiatives. This development may signal a shift in how countries involved in conflicts are included in international cultural platforms, potentially sparking ongoing debates within the art community about the role of art in reflecting political realities and the ethics of participation in global exhibitions.
In light of the ongoing controversy, it's essential to understand the broader implications of the Venice Biennale's decisions. Recent actions by Italian authorities, including the deployment of inspectors to address the Russian pavilion situation, have heightened tensions within the art community. For a deeper insight into these developments and their impact on international cultural events, explore our coverage on the inspectors sent to the Biennale.