The Venice Biennale has barred Russia and Israel from participating
The jury of the Venice Biennale has decided not to include artists from Russia and Israel among the nominees for the top prizes.
This was reported by Reuters.
The organizers’ statement notes that this decision is linked to charges brought by the International Criminal Court against the leadership of these countries.
“The jury will refrain from considering representatives of countries whose leaders are accused by the International Criminal Court of crimes against humanity,” the statement reads.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are specifically mentioned.
Ukraine had hoped that Italy, as the host country, would not issue visas to Russian participants in the Venice Biennale, even though the organizers did not cancel their participation.
The European Commission intends to suspend €2 million in funding for the Venice Biennale due to the organizers’ decision to allow representatives of the Russian Federation to participate and to open the Russian pavilion.
