Venice Biennale jury quits amid Russia participation controversy

The five-member Venice Biennale jury resigned days before the exhibition amid a dispute over Russia’s participation and its pavilion; culture ministry inspectors visited Venice, and organizers moved the awards ceremony to November 22 with two prizes to be awarded under an inclusive principle. The jury had previously said it would not award artists from countries whose leaders face crimes against humanity charges, a stance seen as targeting Russia and Israel. The controversy also implicates EU funding and has caused clashes with the Italian government, as Ukrainian officials and some MEPs condemned Russia’s inclusion.