The jury for the 2026 Venice Biennale, responsible for selecting the exhibition's prestigious awards, has announced its resignation. The news was shared via the Instagram account of the journal e-flux, though no specific reasons were provided for this decision.
The statement from the jury, which consists of five members, declared, "As of April 30, 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. This action follows our Statement of Intention issued on April 22, 2026."
Details surrounding the resignation remain unclear, particularly whether it was prompted by the Biennale organizers or if a new jury will be appointed before the public opening on May 9. This date is significant as it marks the ceremony for the Golden Lion awards, celebrating the best individual artist and national pavilion.
As preparations for the event ramp up, the art community is gearing up for the professional preview days starting May 5. ARTnews has reached out to the Biennale for further comments regarding the jury's resignation and potential plans for a replacement.
The jury members include Solange Oliveira Farks (president), Zoe Butt, Elvira Dyangani Ose, Marta Kuzma, and Giovanna Zapperi. Their selection was announced on April 22, following the unexpected passing of Koyo Kouoh in May 2025, which led to the Biennale board appointing the jury.
Shortly after their announcement, the jury released a statement asserting that they would not consider national pavilions from countries currently charged with crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court. This policy directly affects the participation of nations such as Israel and Russia, which has already sparked considerable debate within the art world.
The jurors emphasized their commitment to human rights and the historical role of the Biennale as a platform for addressing contemporary issues. They stated, "We have a responsibility towards the historical role of the Biennale as a platform that connects art to the urgencies of its time."
As the art community anticipates the Biennale, the implications of this jury's resignation could reshape the event's narrative, potentially paving the way for a more inclusive and reflective artistic dialogue in future exhibitions.