More than 70 Venice Biennale artists withdraw from awards

"More than 70 artists participating in this year's Venice Biennale say they do not want to be considered for the prestigious Golden Lion awards, which this year will be chosen by public vote."

"Artists in the main exhibition- In Minor Keys, organised by the late curator Koyo Kouoh and realised by five of her collaborators -as well as artists, curators and exhibition staff representing 22 national pavilions have withdrawn "in solidarity with the resignation of the jury selected by Kouoh"."

""We, the undersigned artists from In Minor Keys, selected by Koyo Kouoh, artistic director of the 61st edition of La Biennale di Venezia, and from National Pavilions withdraw from consideration for the Visitor Lion awards. We do so in solidarity with the resignation of the jury selected by Kouoh," said the e-flux statement."

"Last month, the Biennale's entire five-person prize jury resigned amid an escalating dispute over the participation of Israel and Russia at this year's event. The jury had said it would exclude artists from countries whose leaders are subject to arrest warrants for crimes against humanity-a decision that was understood to be aimed at Russia and Israel."

More than 70 artists participating in the Venice Biennale said they do not want to be considered for the Golden Lion awards, which will be chosen by public vote. Artists in the main exhibition In Minor Keys and representatives from 22 national pavilions withdrew from consideration in solidarity with the resignation of the jury selected by Koyo Kouoh. The protest statement published on 9 May included signatories such as Walid Raad, Alice Maher, Laurie Anderson, Pio Abad, and Alfredo Jaar, along with pavilion signatories including Yto Barrada, Isabel Nolan, Egle Budvytyte, and Dries Verhoeven. The Biennale noted the statement and indicated that if signatories win, they will not collect the award. The jury resigned after an escalating dispute over Israel and Russia participation, tied to a plan to exclude artists from countries with leaders subject to arrest warrants for crimes against humanity.

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