Venice Biennale faces jury resignations and funding shifts

The 61st Venice Biennale, running until November 22 under the theme ‘In Minor Keys’, is facing significant institutional and geopolitical challenges. Originally curated by Koyo Kouoh, the first African woman to lead the event, the project is being continued by her team following her death in May 2025.

The edition has been marked by international friction regarding the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. In April, the international jury resigned en masse after refusing to award prizes to states currently under investigation by the International Criminal Court. As a result, the traditional Golden Lions for Best National Participation, Best Artist, and Career Achievement will be determined by direct public vote and announced in November.

Financially, the event has lost the two million euros previously provided by the European Union due to Russia's participation. Despite this, the Biennale maintains financial stability through a mixed model of ticket sales, private patronage, and local public funds.