61st Venice Biennale: Cultural workers and artists strike and protest against the Israeli genocide in Gaza

Thousands of artists, cultural workers, and protesters marched through Venice on May 8, 2026, one day before the opening of the 61st Venice Biennale, to protest the Israeli genocide in Gaza and Lebanon. The strike, organized by the Art Not Genocide Alliance (ANGA), led to the closure of approximately 27 of the Biennale's 100 national pavilions, with signs reading "We Stand with Palestine." The Israeli pavilion remained closed and guarded by armed police, who clashed with protesters. Meanwhile, the European Commission threatened to suspend €2 million in EU grants to the Biennale Foundation over its decision to allow Russia to participate, citing incompatibility with EU sanctions and the invasion of Ukraine.

CHS art show May 22-29

Artist and curator Mary Walker presents "10 + 4 + 1: A Collaborative Art Project" at the Cannon Street Arts Center during Piccolo Spoleto from May 22 to May 29. The exhibition pairs ten visual artists—including Linda Fantuzzo, Joe Walters, Lese Corrigan, Hirona Matsuda, Kristi Ryba, Jeff Kopish, Herb Parker, Yvette Dede, and David Higginbotham—into five duos, each combining a 2D and a 3D artist to work outside their usual practice. The project also features four dance companies (Annex Dance Company, Unbound Ballet Project, Collective SC, and Georgia Schrubbe) performing over the weekend, with a family-friendly kickoff and artist reception on May 22.

Studio 34 Announces Open Studio Weekend + Opening of Collective Pulse Art Exhibition in LIC

Studio 34 Gallery in Long Island City, New York, announces its annual Open Studio Weekend on May 16–17, 2026, from 12:00–6:00 PM, alongside the opening reception of a group exhibition titled 'Collective Pulse' on May 16 from 6:30–9:30 PM. The free event invites the public to explore working artist studios, meet the creators, and experience the artistic process, with live music by Sunshine Music. The exhibition, curated by Alice Lipping and Tina Glavan, features 14 Studio 34 artists and 11 guest artists, and runs through June 7, 2026.

Venice Biennale jury to avoid artists from nations with ICC-charged leaders

The jury for the Venice Biennale International Art Exhibition announced on April 24, 2026, that they will not consider artists from countries whose leaders face charges at the International Criminal Court, an apparent reference to Israel and Russia. The five jury members, tasked with selecting Golden and Silver Lion winners among 110 participants, stated they felt compelled to commit to the defense of human rights. The ICC has issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes. The decision follows criticism of the Biennale for allowing Russia to reopen its pavilion after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Biennale Jury Will Not Consider Countries with ICC Allegations

Biennale-Jury will Länder mit IStGH-Vorwürfen nicht berücksichtigen

The jury of the Venice Art Biennale has announced that it will not consider countries whose heads of state or government face allegations of crimes against humanity from the International Criminal Court (ICC) when awarding prizes this year. The jury, led by Brazilian art historian Solange Farkas, cited its commitment to defending human rights. While no specific countries were named, the ICC currently has arrest warrants against Russian President Vladimir Putin for alleged war crimes in Ukraine and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes in Gaza. The Biennale leadership stated the jury acted in full autonomy and independence.

How One Cooperative Champions the Quechua Weavers of Peru’s Sacred Valley

The nonprofit organization Awamaki was founded in 2009 to support Quechua communities in Peru's Sacred Valley, particularly women weavers, as they navigate economic shifts and climate change. It now assists nine cooperatives comprising 174 artisans, providing structural support for selling traditional textiles and coordinating tourism to generate income while preserving cultural practices.

Where to eat and take a break in Venice during the 2026 Art Biennale?

Dove mangiare e prendersi una pausa a Venezia durante la Biennale Arte 2026?

The article provides a curated guide to dining and refreshment spots in Venice during the 61st edition of the Venice Biennale, which runs from May 9 to November 22, 2026. It lists several recommended venues—including ABC Zattere, Bea Vita, QuasiPronto, Adriatico Mar, Bancogiro, and Osteria Da Pampo—each described with details on location, atmosphere, and specialties, from cicchetti and tramezzini to natural wine and traditional Venetian dishes.