The 60th Venice Biennale: Protests, Politics, and Pavilions
The 60th Venice Biennale contemporary art exhibition opened its preview week in late April and early May, with multiple protests and disruptions occurring in response to the inclusion of national pavilions from Russia and Israel. The events included a collective resignation by the Biennale's awards jury, a strike organized by an activist coalition, and separate physical demonstrations at the Russian and Israeli pavilions.
"Blood is Russia's Art" — slogan shouted by protesters at the Russian pavilion
Awards Jury Resignation
Prior to the opening, the jury responsible for awarding the Golden Lion prizes resigned. Multiple sources report differing reasons for the resignation.
One source states the jury resigned in protest of Israel's and Russia's participation. Another reports the jury resigned after being told they could be held personally responsible if Israel pursued legal action over criteria that would exclude those countries. Several Biennale participants signed letters demanding the exclusion of specific national pavilions.
Organized Strike and Demonstrations
A 24-hour strike was scheduled for May 8 during the opening week. The strike was organized by the Art Not Genocide Alliance (ANGA) in collaboration with local cultural organizations and Italian trade unions.
According to ANGA, over 230 Biennale participants—including artists, curators, and art workers—signed a letter demanding Israel's exclusion. A separate demonstration coordinated by ANGA was also expected to take place at the Biennale grounds.
Protests at the Russian Pavilion
On May 6, approximately 50 members of the Russian feminist group Pussy Riot and the Ukrainian feminist group Femen staged a protest at the Russian pavilion. Protesters, wearing pink ski masks or balaclavas, released blue and yellow smoke bombs, carried Ukrainian flags, and shouted slogans including "Blood is Russia's Art." They attempted to enter the venue but were prevented by Italian police, who blockaded the pavilion for approximately 30 minutes. The groups stated this was their first joint public protest.
The Russian pavilion's participation marks its first since the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The European Union reduced a 2 million euro grant to the Biennale in protest. A UK government spokesperson stated the UK opposed Russia's participation and decided not to send government ministers to the event.
The Biennale has defended Russia's participation, stating that any country with diplomatic relations with Italy can be included.
The Italian government opposed the decision but acknowledged the Biennale's independence.
Key Voices
Pussy Riot co-founder Nadya Tolokonnikova stated that only art by dissidents jailed on "ridiculous charges" should represent Russia, and called on the Biennale president to stop accepting Russian money.
Femen's Inna Shevchenko stated that the Russian pavilion stands on "the invisible pedestal of Ukrainian blood."
Protests at the Israeli Pavilion
The Art Not Genocide Alliance (ANGA) protested outside the Israeli pavilion, which was locked from inside. Over 200 participants signed a letter demanding the cancellation of the Israeli pavilion. Israel's foreign ministry condemned the group's actions as discriminatory.
Selected Pavilion Displays
Several national pavilions featured specific exhibitions during the Biennale:
Pavilion Exhibition Highlights Russian Open only during the first week of previews; features musical performances Israeli Artist Belu-Simion Fainaru's installation includes dripping water tubes and locks engraved with "Love thy neighbor as thyself." Fainaru stated he is against cultural boycotts and for dialogue British Turner Prize winner Lubaina Himid presents an exhibition exploring the experience of newcomers Austrian Features performance art by Florentina Holzinger, including a nude woman suspended from a bell, a Jet Ski rider inside a tank, and a tank of filtered toilet water Vatican Offers a space for spiritual respite with music by St. Hildegard of Bingen reinterpreted by artists including Brian Eno and Patti Smith Estonian Merike Estna will create a daily wall painting over the Biennale's duration Slovenian Plans to dim lights and replace its sound installation with a livestream of Palestinian radio station Radio AlharaVoting and Awards
Visitors to the Biennale will vote for the best national pavilion and the best participant in the main curated show. The vote is anonymous and by email. Winners will be announced on November 22.
Main Exhibition
The main exhibition, curated by the late Koyo Kouoh, is titled "In Minor Keys" and focuses on minority perspectives. It features 110 artists and groups.
Official Statement
Biennale Organizers: Stated they are committed to ensuring orderly conduct and respect for freedom of expression.