Dozens of artists boycott Venice Biennale awards amid Israel-Russia dispute

More than 70 artists participating in the 2026 Venice Biennale have withdrawn from consideration for the exhibition’s prestigious Golden Lion awards in protest against changes to the prize system and ongoing controversy surrounding the participation of Israel and Russia.

The artists, taking part in the main exhibition “In Minor Keys” and across 22 national pavilions, said they were acting “in solidarity with the resignation of the jury selected by Koyo Kouoh,” according to a statement published on e-flux on May 9, The Art Newspaper writes.

Among the signatories are Walid Raad, Laurie Anderson, Alfredo Jaar and Irish artist Isabel Nolan.

The protest follows the resignation last month of the Biennale’s entire five-member prize jury amid escalating tensions over the participation of Israel and Russia in this year’s exhibition. The jury had reportedly planned to exclude artists from countries whose leaders are subject to arrest warrants for crimes against humanity, a move widely interpreted as targeting Israel and Russia.

“We, the undersigned artists from In Minor Keys, selected by Koyo Kouoh, artistic director of the 61st edition of La Biennale di Venezia, and from National Pavilions withdraw from consideration for the Visitor Lion awards. We do so in solidarity with the resignation of the jury selected by Koyo Kouoh,” the statement said.

Following the jury’s resignation, Biennale organisers replaced the traditional awards process with a new “Visitor Lion” system, allowing ticket holders who visit both exhibition venues to vote for winners throughout the event, which runs from May 9 to November 22.

A spokesperson for the Biennale told The Art Newspaper: “La Biennale di Venezia takes note of [the signed statement]. That means that if they win, they will not collect the award.”

Indian photographer Sohrab Hura, whose film The Coast is featured at the exhibition, defended the boycott, telling The Art Newspaper: “The jury acted like any conscionable people would have done. I'd rather support them than hope for some award.”

The controversy has intensified broader political tensions surrounding the Biennale, widely regarded as the world’s most influential contemporary art exhibition.

Last week, several participating countries temporarily closed their pavilions as part of a strike organised by the Art Not Genocide Alliance to protest Israel’s participation. More than 200 demonstrators also gathered outside the Israeli pavilion during the VIP preview week, while activist groups Pussy Riot and FEMEN staged a protest at Russia’s pavilion.

Israel is represented this year by Romanian-born sculptor Belu-Simion Fainaru, who defended cultural engagement despite the controversy.

“As an artist, I am opposed to cultural boycotts as I believe in the importance of dialogue and exchange, especially in difficult times,” he told The Art Newspaper.

Meanwhile, Russia’s participation has drawn additional criticism, prompting the European Union to withdraw funding from the Biennale.

Speaking at a conference on May 6, Biennale president Pietrangelo Buttafuoco defended the event’s inclusivity, saying efforts to ban countries from participating would undermine its mission to be “the place where the world comes together.”

By Sabina Mammadli