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Biennale Excludes Israel, Russia from Awards, EU Threatens Funding

4/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Jury at Venice Biennale said it will not consider Israel’s and Russia’s entries for awards, though they will present pavilions.
The jury linked the exclusion to the “In Minor Keys” theme and arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant.
The European Union (EU) threatened to cut two million euros from Biennale budget if Russia participates, giving a 30-day deadline to reverse the decision.

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Story summary

Jury at Venice Biennale said it will not consider Israel’s and Russia’s entries for awards, though they will present pavilions.
The jury linked the exclusion to the “In Minor Keys” theme and arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant.
The European Union (EU) threatened to cut two million euros from Biennale budget if Russia participates, giving a 30-day deadline to reverse the decision.