Story perspectives

Biennale Jury Resigns, Replaces Lions After Russia Protest

5/9/2026

Center

Biennale Jury Resigns

The Biennale jury resigned over Russia’s and Israel’s participation, prompting organizers to replace the Golden Lion awards with visitor-chosen prizes.
Pussy Riot and FEMEN protesters blocked the Russian pavilion at Venice Biennale on May 6 2026, delaying its opening by 30 minutes.
European Commission warned the Biennale could lose €2 million funding if it proceeds with Russia’s participation.
The Russian pavilion will open for press previews, with performances recorded for outdoor screening before May 9.

Right

ANGA Strikes

The Art Not Genocide Alliance (ANGA) called a 24-hour strike for artists and cultural workers before the 61st Venice Biennale.
Biennale President Pietrangelo Buttafuoco said the event cannot exclude nations based on political affiliations, refusing to cancel the Russian pavilion.
During previews, ANGA protesters marched through the Arsenale with Palestinian flags, demanding Israeli pavilion shutdown.
They demonstrated outside American, French, British and German pavilions, condemning those nations’ support for Israel.

Blindspot

Center coverage emphasized the jury’s resignation and the substitution of Golden Lion awards with visitor-chosen prizes, a detail not mentioned in Right coverage.
Center coverage also reported the European Commission’s warning of a potential €2 million loss of EU cultural funding, which Right coverage did not address.

History

Historical Context

After Cold-War politics shaped pavilion ownership and the 2022-24 Russian boycott, the Biennale’s 2026 edition revived Russia’s exhibit despite the Italian culture minister’s boycott and a European Commission threat to pull a $2 million grant. Earlier activist petitions in 2024 to bar Israel show how the event repeatedly becomes a flashpoint for geopolitical disputes.

1 of 4

Biennale Jury Resigns

The Biennale jury resigned over Russia’s and Israel’s participation, prompting organizers to replace the Golden Lion awards with visitor-chosen prizes.
Pussy Riot and FEMEN protesters blocked the Russian pavilion at Venice Biennale on May 6 2026, delaying its opening by 30 minutes.
European Commission warned the Biennale could lose €2 million funding if it proceeds with Russia’s participation.
The Russian pavilion will open for press previews, with performances recorded for outdoor screening before May 9.

1 / 4