Overview
- Preview week in Venice drew large rallies at Israel’s temporary Arsenale pavilion and a high-profile Pussy Riot and FEMEN action at Russia’s pavilion, with protesters blocking entrances and chanting in the rain on Wednesday.
- A 24-hour cultural strike targeting Israel’s participation is set for Friday, organized by the Art Not Genocide Alliance with Italian unions, with a 4:30 p.m. local march planned along Via Garibaldi.
- Organizers limited Russia’s pavilion to press previews this week, with a public closure and exterior video projections planned during the six-month run in response to sanctions concerns reported by multiple outlets.
- The five-member prize jury quit on April 30 after stating it would exclude entries from countries whose leaders face International Criminal Court charges, and reports say Israel’s artist had just warned of legal action alleging discrimination; awards will now be voted on by visitors and announced November 22.
- Funding and regulatory scrutiny intensified as the European Commission moved to suspend a €2 million grant over Russia’s readmission and Italy’s culture ministry dispatched inspectors, even as the main exhibition, In Minor Keys, proceeded with works by 110 artists completed by the late Koyo Kouoh’s team.