Particle.news
Download on the App Store
10 ARTICLES
·
6d ago

Venice Biennale Curbs Access to Russia’s Pavilion as Jury Bars ICC-Charged Nations From Prizes

The compromise highlights the Biennale’s limited authority to exclude state pavilions under Italian recognition rules.

The closed pavilion of Russia pictured at the 59th Venice Biennale. Photo: James Arthur Gekiere/ Belga Mag/AFP via Getty Images.
The Venice Biennale jury has banned Israel and Russia from awards deliberation, citing International Criminal Court charges against leaders of both countries. (Stefano Mazzola via Getty Images)
Image
Image

Overview

  • Internal emails, reported Tuesday by ARTnews after Italian outlets reviewed the correspondence, show Russia’s pavilion will open for press previews May 5–8 and then close from May 9 with performance footage displayed on window screens for the public.
  • A five-member international jury said it will not consider entries from countries whose leaders face International Criminal Court charges, which removes Israel and Russia from Golden and Silver Lion award contention.
  • The Biennale Foundation said it cannot expel national pavilions of states recognized by Italy and stated the Russian plan complies with European Union sanctions and applicable laws.
  • The European Union cut about €2 million in funding after Russia’s return, and Commission vice president Kaja Kallas called Russia’s inclusion morally wrong given ongoing attacks on Ukrainian culture.
  • Italy’s culture minister Alessandro Giuli said he will skip the opening in protest, while Israel’s Foreign Ministry and Israel’s pavilion artist Belu-Simion Fainaru condemned the jury’s step as a politicized boycott.