The 2026 Venice Biennale, under the theme ‘In Minor Keys’ and curated by the late Koyo Kouoh, will commence in May. In late 2025, Israel’s Ministry of Culture announced Belu-Simion Fainaru as its representative for the 61st International Art Exhibition. The Israeli Pavilion in the Giardini is ostensibly closed for renovations, yet the Biennale’s organizers have notably allocated space for Israel in the Arsenale. This decision contrasts with the previous year when Israel was absent from the Venice Biennale of Architecture.
This move by the Biennale’s management is seen as supporting a nation criticized for its actions against Palestine. Israel has been accused of perpetuating severe violence in Gaza, with extensive casualties and infrastructure damage. The ongoing conflict has resulted in more than 72,045 deaths, with many missing and significant destruction, raising questions about the Biennale’s moral stance.
Critics argue that cultural institutions, rooted in Western democratic ideals, often fail to demonstrate ethical leadership. The art community is being urged to resist normalizing what many view as atrocities committed with impunity. Palestinian voices, alongside historical figures in art and literature, inspire a call for revolutionary thinking within the arts. The current global power dynamics challenge the principles these institutions were built to uphold post-Holocaust, as seen in the systemic failures to address injustices.
Boycotts are being advocated as a means to compel change, urging institutions to sever ties with Israel until there is a shift in the political and humanitarian landscape. The argument emphasizes that such actions are not merely symbolic but aim to exert genuine pressure on perpetrators of what some label as genocide. This call to action is echoed by artists and organizations worldwide, who have increasingly aligned with movements like BDS to oppose the normalization of aggression.
Historically, the Venice Biennale has been a site of political protest and discourse, with past boycotts opposing wars and oppressive regimes. The current situation demands similar courage and activism. Participants are encouraged to challenge the Biennale’s silence on Israel’s alleged war crimes, advocating for the event not to serve as a platform that inadvertently condones genocide.
