Venice Biennale Jury Excludes Russia, Israel From Awards Amid EU Funding Threat

Organizers have been under mounting pressure as jurors cite human rights concerns and the EU weighs cutting financial support over the Biennale’s decision to allow Russia’s return. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied This photograph shows an inscription reading both in French and English "European Council" on a wall behind two European flags before the arrivals of the 27 EU leaders for a summit to discuss Ukraine, European defence, recent developments in the Middle East, competitiveness, housing and migration, in Brussels on October 23, 2025. (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google The jury of the Venice Biennale said it will not consider artists from countries whose leaders face charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC), an apparent reference to Russia and Israel. In a statement, the five-member jury said the decision was guided by a commitment “to the defense of human rights,” as it prepares to select winners of the Golden and Silver Lion awards among more than 100 participants, according to Reuters on Thursday, April 23. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . The jury did not explicitly name the countries, but the ICC has issued arrest warrants for Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin over child abduction in Ukraine and for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza. The move comes amid mounting controversy over the Biennale’s decision to allow Russia to reopen its national pavilion, reversing its exclusion following Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The decision has drawn criticism from European officials and governments, including Italy. The European Commission said it could suspend or terminate a €2 million ($2.7 million) grant to the Biennale over its decision to allow Russia to participate again, giving organizers 30 days to respond. In March, the European Commission issued a similar warning . More than 6,000 artists, academics, curators, journalists and political figures signed an open letter at the time urging the leadership of the Venice Biennale to “address the implications” of allowing Russia to participate. Other Topics of Interest Russia Calls New EU Sanctions ‘Unlawful’ The EU’s 20th sanctions package targets Russia’s energy revenues, financial sector, shadow fleet and military-industrial supply chains. Italy’s government has also come out in opposition to the Biennale’s move, saying it was made “entirely independently” of Rome’s wishes. Ukraine has also protested the decision . The Biennale said the jury operates independently and described the decision as an expression of artistic autonomy. Russia was widely excluded from major cultural and international events in Europe after launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, as part of broader efforts to isolate Moscow diplomatically and culturally. The debate over Russia’s participation in global cultural platforms has intensified in recent months, as some institutions have reconsidered restrictions while others have maintained strict bans. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.