Venice Biennale jury resigns days before start of exhibition
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The entire jury of the Venice Biennale has resigned nine days before the exhibition's opening, citing its stance against considering countries whose leaders face International Criminal Court charges for crimes against humanity, specifically naming Russia and Israel. The decision follows controversy over Russia's return to the event despite its ongoing invasion of Ukraine, prompting backlash from Italy's government and the European Union. As a result, the awards ceremony has been canceled, and visitors will now vote on favorite pavilions instead.
- ▪The Venice Biennale jury resigned over its refusal to consider Russia and Israel for awards due to ICC charges against their leaders.
- ▪Russia returned to the Biennale in 2024 after skipping in 2022 when its artists withdrew in protest of the invasion of Ukraine.
- ▪The European Union withdrew a two million Euro grant from the Biennale, calling Russia's participation 'morally wrong'.
- ▪Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated the government does not support Russia's inclusion but acknowledged the Biennale's autonomy.
- ▪The awards ceremony scheduled for 9 May has been canceled, replaced by a public voting system for pavilion recognition.
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Venice Biennale jury resigns days before start of exhibition30 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleSarah RainsfordSouthern and Eastern Europe correspondent, RomeEPAThe entrance to the Central Pavilion, in the Biennale GardenThe entire jury of the Venice Biennale has resigned just nine days before the inauguration of the prestigious art event, amid growing tensions over the return of Russia for the first time since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.In a brief statement, the jury said it was acting in accordance with its previous decision not to consider countries "whose leaders are currently charged with crimes against humanity" for any prizes, meaning Russia and Israel.The exhibition showcases art from around the world in dozens of national pavilions.Italy's Prime Minister,…
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