The jury of the Venice Biennale has resigned just days before the prestigious art exhibition is set to open, following a dispute over the decision to allow Russia to participate. The five-member international panel announced its departure late on Thursday, a day after Italy's culture ministry sent inspectors to Venice to investigate the move.
The biennale organisers confirmed the resignations and postponed the award ceremony from 9 May to 22 November. They stated that two awards would be given, with one open to any national participation in the exhibition, citing principles of inclusion and equal treatment. The biennale emphasised its commitment to being a 'place of truce in the name of art, culture, and artistic freedom.'
The controversy escalated after the jury last week declared it would not award artists from countries whose leaders face charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court, a stance widely seen as targeting Russia and Israel. The European Commission has threatened to suspend or terminate its €2 million grant for the exhibition due to Russia's involvement, giving the biennale 30 days to respond.
Italy's far-right government has also opposed Russia's return, with Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli stating the decision was made independently by the Biennale Foundation. However, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, a longtime supporter of Vladimir Putin, welcomed the move. Ukrainian officials and cross-party MEPs have condemned Russia's inclusion, urging organisers to reconsider.
