The international jury of the Venice Biennale resigned Thursday, just days before the world's oldest and most important contemporary art fair opens. No official reason was given, but the move came as Italy's government opposed Russia's participation.
The jury-comprising president Solange Farkas, Zoe Butt, Elvira Dyangani Ose, Marta Kuzma, and Giovanna Zapperi-stepped down without explanation. Their resignation followed a visit by Cultural Ministry officials to gather information on the reopening of the Russian Pavilion.
The Italian government has opposed the Biennale's decision to allow Russia to participate in the international exhibition for the first time since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The European Union last week slashed a €2 million grant to the Biennale over the issue.
Originally tasked with selecting the prestigious Golden Lion and other prizes on the May 9 opening day, the jury's departure means visitors will now decide two awards: Best Participant in the curated exhibition "In Minor Keys" and Best National Participation among the 100 national pavilions. The awards will be given on the closing day, November 22.
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reiterated the government's disagreement but acknowledged the Biennale's autonomy. Cabinet Minister Matteo Salvini called the spectator vote a "great idea,” saying, "It doesn't get any better than that."
Russia last participated in the International Art Exhibition in 2019. It withdrew in 2022 and lent its permanent pavilion to Bolivia in 2024. The Biennale stated it "does not have the authority to prevent a country from participating" and rejected "any form of exclusion or censorship of culture and art."