Venice Biennale’s international jury resigns as Italy's government opposed Russia's participation

The international jury of the Venice Biennale resigned Thursday, just days before the world's oldest and most important contemporary art fair opens. The jury, made up of Solange Farkas, Zoe Butt, Elvira Dyangani Ose, Marta Kuzma, and Giovanna Zapperi, was due to select winners of the prestigious Golden Lion and other prizes on May 9. The resignation followed a visit by Cultural Ministry officials to gather information about the reopening of the Russian Pavilion, as Italy's government opposed Russia's participation. The Biennale announced that visitors will now select winners of two awards: Best Participant in the 61st curated Exhibition and Best National Participation. Premier Giorgia Meloni reiterated that the government didn't agree with the Biennale's decision to allow Russia to participate, but acknowledged the Biennale's autonomy. The European Union recently slashed a 2-million euro grant to the Venice Biennale over Russia's participation. The Biennale stated that it "does not have the authority to prevent a country from participating" and rejected any form of exclusion or censorship of culture and art.