The entire five-member international jury of the Venice Biennale resigned on Thursday, just days before the prestigious contemporary art exhibition is set to open. The mass resignation comes amid growing geopolitical tensions surrounding the event's organization.
The decision follows a row over Russia's participation in the international exhibition, marking its return for the first time since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This move has faced opposition from the Italian government and the European Commission, leading the Italian culture ministry to send inspectors to Venice to gather information about the decision to allow a Russian pavilion.
Additionally, the resignation follows the jury's announcement a week prior that it would bar prizes for countries accused of crimes against humanity, including Russia and Israel. Due to these developments, the announcement of winners, which is typically held at the opening, has been postponed until the fair closes in November.