Jurors at the Venice Biennale International Art Exhibition said they will not consider artists from countries whose leaders face charges at the International Criminal Court, an apparent reference to Russia and Israel.
The five jury members, who will select winners of the Golden and Silver Lion awards among 110 participants, said they were committed “to the defence of human rights” as part of their role at the exhibition, which opens on May 9 and draws global attention from artists, curators and critics.
“This jury will refrain from the consideration of those countries whose leaders are currently charged with crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court”, they said in a statement, without naming the countries directly but clearly signalling their position.
The ICC has issued arrest warrants for figures including Russian President Vladimir Putin, over alleged war crimes involving children in Ukraine and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Gaza conflict. Both leaders deny the allegations.
The decision comes amidst ongoing criticism after organisers allowed Russia to reopen its pavilion at the Biennale, following its exclusion from major European cultural events after the 2022 war in Ukraine.
The move drew backlash from Italy’s government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, as well as from the European Commission, which has taken a firm position on the issue.
On Thursday, the Commission said it had formally notified the Biennale of its intention to suspend or terminate a €2 million ($2.34 million) grant awarded for the next three years, raising the stakes of the dispute and putting financial pressure on organisers.
“There is only one ongoing grant, this is of 2 million for the next three years and this is the one we aim to terminate or to suspend”, a Commission spokesperson said, adding that the Biennale has 30 days to respond to the letter and clarify its position.
In a separate statement, the Biennale said the jury operates with full autonomy and independence, describing the decision as “a natural expression of the freedom and autonomy” it guarantees, while stressing that the exhibition remains open to broad international participation. — Reuters
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