Overview
- The five-member international jury, which quit Thursday, had said it would not consider national pavilions from countries whose leaders face International Criminal Court warrants, a move understood to target Russia and Israel.
- Organizers postponed the Golden Lion ceremony to November 22 and replaced jury-selected prizes with two Visitors’ Lions decided by ticket holders who visit both main venues.
- Italy’s Culture Ministry sent inspectors on Wednesday to review how Russia was readmitted and to check sanctions compliance, while Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reiterated that the Biennale operates autonomously from the government.
- The European Commission moved to suspend or terminate a €2 million grant over Russia’s participation, raising financial pressure as the exhibition prepares to open on May 9.
- Reports say the Russian pavilion will open only during preview days from May 5 to 8 and then close to the public with digital documentation shown in its windows, signaling new procedural workarounds to keep participation within sanctions rules.