Venice Biennale Jury Resigns Nine Days Before Opening, Citing Russian and Israeli War Crimes Charges

The Venice Biennale jury issued a concise statement confirming their resignation. This decision aligns with their previously stated position to disqualify any nation whose leaders are currently subject to charges for crimes against humanity from consideration for exhibition prizes. This explicitly includes both Russia and Israel.

Italy's Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, publicly stated that the government does not endorse Russia's participation in the Biennale. However, she affirmed the autonomous status of the Biennale and expressed confidence in its president.

The Biennale has faced sustained criticism for several weeks regarding Russia's return. This resignation occurred the day after Italian culture ministry officials visited Venice to examine the re-opening of the Russian pavilion, an issue that had already prompted the culture minister to declare a boycott of the event.

Earlier this month, the EU withdrew a €2 million grant, condemning Russia's return as "morally wrong," alleging Moscow's efforts to eradicate Ukrainian culture amid its ongoing invasion. The Biennale organisers have previously maintained that the event is open to all, rejecting any form of exclusion or censorship. They also noted that Russia retains ownership of its pavilion, precluding its forceful removal.

In 2022, following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the curator and artists associated with the Russian pavilion withdrew their participation in protest, leaving the space empty. For the 2024 exhibition, Russia has allocated its pavilion to Bolivia.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, citing alleged responsibility for war crimes, which Moscow has dismissed as "outrageous." For Russia, re-establishing a presence at the Venice Biennale represents a significant step towards normalisation, even as its invasion of Ukraine continues to inflict daily casualties.

Reports indicate that numerous Ukrainian museums and cultural heritage sites have been destroyed, art looted, and hundreds of artists killed since the invasion began. The Italian culture ministry is reportedly assessing whether Russia's involvement in the art fair contravenes existing sanctions.

This year, the Russian contingent plans to exhibit a sound performance titled 'The Tree is Rooted in the Sky', though some reports suggest public access might be restricted. Israel's foreign ministry previously characterised the decision to exclude their country from potential prizes as "a contamination of the art world."

In 2024, ICC judges also issued arrest warrants for Israel's Prime Minister and former Defence Minister, finding "reasonable grounds" for their alleged criminal responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity during the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Israel has rejected these allegations.

The prize ceremony, originally scheduled for 9 May, has now been cancelled. Instead, visitors will be invited to vote for their preferred pavilions.