Overview
- Demonstrations over Russia’s return and Israel’s presence framed the opening after a 24‑hour strike shut many national pavilions and drew thousands into the streets.
- More than 70 participating artists have withdrawn from consideration for the new visitor‑voted prizes in solidarity with the resigned jury, according to a statement on e‑flux.
- Organizers replaced the traditional Golden Lion jury prizes with Visitors’ Lions decided by ticket holders, with results to be announced when the exhibition closes in November.
- European officials moved to suspend about €2 million in Biennale funding and Italian authorities are reviewing whether contacts with Russia’s pavilion skirted sanctions.
- Israel’s Foreign Ministry condemned protests targeting its pavilion as intimidation, while Russia’s pavilion limited public access to press‑preview performances that will be shown later on outdoor screens.