The international awards jury for the 61st Venice Biennale announced its decision to exclude “countries whose leaders face charges of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court (ICC)” from award eligibility, a day after convening. This decision, detailed in a statement published on e-flux on April 23, highlights the jury’s acknowledgment of the intertwined nature of artistic practice and national representation at the Biennale.
Artists featured in the In Minor Keys exhibition, such as Carolina Caycedo, Walid Raad, Guadalupe Maravilla, Zoe Leonard, and Cauleen Smith, had previously expressed their support for this stance through an open letter. They reiterated their alignment with the jury’s position in an email to Hyperallergic, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations in international exhibitions.
Chaired by Solange Farkas of Associação Cultural Videobrasil, the all-women jury, including Elvira Dyangani Ose, Zoe Butt, Marta Kuzma, and Giovanna Zapperi, is tasked with awarding Golden Lions for the best national pavilion and best artist in the In Minor Keys exhibition. The decision indirectly impacts Russia and Israel, given ICC’s warrants for their leaders, Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu.
The Venice Biennale’s press office affirmed the jury’s independent decision-making process, describing it as a reflection of the freedom and autonomy guaranteed by the Biennale. The jury’s announcement coincides with ongoing controversy surrounding the Biennale Foundation’s decision to include Russia and Israel in future events, amid significant backlash.
Despite the jury’s statement, the Art Not Genocide Alliance (ANGA) criticized the omission of Israel’s name, citing ongoing conflicts in Gaza and surrounding regions. ANGA continues to advocate for a boycott of the 2026 Biennale, arguing that such actions challenge the normalization of genocide. The jury’s declaration also echoed a sentiment from late Artistic Director Koyo Kouoh, emphasizing a need to focus on subtler narratives that protect the dignity of all.
