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Venice Biennale Cancels Golden Lions, Artists Withdraw Amid Pro-Palestinian Protests

5/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Biennale Foundation cancelled Golden Lion prizes and replaced them with Visitor Lions decided by public voting through November 22.
Laurie Anderson, Alfredo Jaar, Zoe Leonard and 53 other artists withdrew from consideration at the Venice Biennale.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside the Israeli pavilion while a labor strike shut down several pavilions and Arsenale complex during the Biennale preview.

History

Historical Context

Student protests in 1968 disrupted the Venice Biennale, which opened with 34 participating nations and led to the suspension of its Grand Prizes. The precedent reappeared in 2024 when the Biennale Foundation cancelled the historic Golden Lion, introduced Visitor Lions, and faced withdrawals by prominent artists such as Laurie Anderson.

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Story summary

The Biennale Foundation cancelled Golden Lion prizes and replaced them with Visitor Lions decided by public voting through November 22.
Laurie Anderson, Alfredo Jaar, Zoe Leonard and 53 other artists withdrew from consideration at the Venice Biennale.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside the Israeli pavilion while a labor strike shut down several pavilions and Arsenale complex during the Biennale preview.

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