Overview
- All five members of the international jury resigned Thursday, citing their April 22 plan to bar artists from countries whose leaders face International Criminal Court warrants, which effectively targeted Russia and Israel.
- La Biennale said the Golden and Silver Lions will now be awarded on November 22 and introduced two visitor‑selected Leoni dei Visitatori, while the exhibition opens as scheduled to professionals in preview days and to the public on May 9.
- The European Commission froze previously granted funding over Russia’s return, and Italy’s government sent inspectors as Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said they will skip the opening.
- Leaked emails show Biennale director Andrea Del Mercato had coordinated with Russian representatives since June 2025 on visas and a plan to open the Russian pavilion only during previews, then show recorded performances on screens from outside.
- Israel’s representative Belu‑Simion Fainaru accused the jury of discrimination and threatened legal action, sharpening a broader fight over whether art prizes should punish artists for the actions of their governments.