No explanation was given, but the move occurred as Italy’s government rejected Russia’s participation. The Biennale announced in a statement that the jury, comprised of the president, Solange Farkas, and Zoe Butt, Elvira Dyangani Ose, Marta Kuzma, and Giovanna Zapperi, had resigned. It did not explain the exceedingly rare move.
It followed a visit to the Biennale by Cultural Ministry officials who arrived on Wednesday to learn more about the reopening of the Russian Pavilion. On the official opening day, May 9, the jury was to decide the winners of the highly coveted Golden Lion and other prizes.
The Biennale declared that following the jury’s resignation, visitors will decide the winners of two awards: Best Participant in the curated Exhibition “In Minor Keys” and Best National Participation among the 100 national pavilions. It will be awarded on the last day, November 22nd.
When asked about the resignations, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized that the government disagreed with the Biennale’s choice to allow Russian participation, but accepted the Biennale’s autonomy. She said she was unsure whether the resignations were related to the Culture Ministry’s decision to send inspectors to Venice.
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