Venice Biennale 2026 International Jury Resigns, Competition Criteria changes

The international jury for the 61st Venice Biennale has resigned ahead of the exhibition’s opening on 9 May. 

‘As of 30 April 2026, we, the international jury selected by Koyo Kouoh, Artistic Director of the 61st edition of La Biennale di Venezia In Minor Keys, have resigned,’ says the jury in a statement published on e-flux. ‘We do so in acknowledgment of our Statement of Intention issued on 22 April 2026.’

The Statement of Intention mentioned refers to a call for ‘countries whose leaders are currently charged with crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court’ to be excluded from Golden and Silver Lion awards competition, namely Russia and Israel.

Following the resignations, organisers announced that the awards ceremony has been postponed from 9 May to 22 November, the biennale’s closing day. 

They also reversed the proposed restriction, confirming that all national pavilions will remain eligible, citing the event’s commitment to openness, dialogue and opposition to censorship.