Story perspectives

Biennale Bars Russia, Israel from Lion Awards Over ICC Warrants

5/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Biennale jury will bar Russia and Israel from Lion awards over ICC warrants for their leaders.
Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli will skip the 9 May opening to protest the Russian pavilion.
The Russian pavilion will stay closed to the public until 22 November 2026, with media access 6–8 May.
European Commission officials warned they could suspend two-million-euro EU funding, a stance Culture Minister Matteo Salvini opposed, defending Moscow’s participation.

History

Historical Context

Since the ICC began operations on 1 July 2002, it has issued twelve arrest warrants in its first decade and, by 2024, added two Russian and fifteen Israeli officials. The Venice Biennale jury responded by barring Russia and Israel from Lion awards, prompting culture minister Alessandro Giuli’s protest and a European Commission threat to cut €2 million in funding, a move opposed by Matteo Salvini.

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Story summary

The Biennale jury will bar Russia and Israel from Lion awards over ICC warrants for their leaders.
Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli will skip the 9 May opening to protest the Russian pavilion.
The Russian pavilion will stay closed to the public until 22 November 2026, with media access 6–8 May.
European Commission officials warned they could suspend two-million-euro EU funding, a stance Culture Minister Matteo Salvini opposed, defending Moscow’s participation.

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