Venice Biennale Jury Bars ICC-Charged Leaders' Pavilions from Awards

The international jury for the 2026 Venice Biennale announced on Thursday that it will exclude national pavilions from consideration for the event's top awards if their leaders face charges of crimes against humanity from the International Criminal Court. The decision, which effectively sidelines Russia and Israel among the 100 participating nations, underscores the art exhibition's commitment to human rights amid ongoing global conflicts.

The five-member, all-women jury, chaired by Brazilian curator Solange Oliveira Farkas and including Elvira Dyangani Ose, Zoe Butt, Marta Kuzma, and Giovanna Zapperi, issued the statement one day after its official assembly. Nominated by the late artistic director Koyo Kouoh, who died last year, the panel emphasized its alignment with her vision for the main exhibition, "In Minor Keys." "We acknowledge the complex relationship between artist practice and nation-state representation," the jury stated, adding that it would "refrain from the consideration of those countries whose leaders are currently charged with crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court."

The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Russian...