Jury’s statement, apparently aimed at Russia and Israel, makes clear it is committed to defence of human rights
The jury of the Venice Biennale has said it would not give awards to artists from countries whose leaders are facing charges of crimes against humanity, in a statement apparently aimed at Russia and Israel.
The five-member jury of the prestigious art exhibition said it was committed to “the defence of human rights”, in continuity with the vision established by Koyo Kouoh, the Swiss-Cameroonian curator who was appointed to lead the 2026 edition of the biennale before her death last year, and would therefore refrain from the consideration of those countries whose leaders are charged with crimes against humanity by the international criminal court.
The jury is responsible for choosing the winners of the Golden and Silver Lion awards among the 110 artists participating in the event, which opens on 9 May.
The statement did not mention Russia and Israel, but the mayor of Venice, Luigi Brugnaro, told reporters that the jury had sent his council a letter saying they were unable to give those artists awards whose governments were under investigation by the international criminal court. Brugnaro added: “It’s an independent choice which we respect, just as the biennale is independent in choosing to have these pavilions.”
