La Biennale di Venezia has announced the establishment of two Visitors' Lions for the 61st International Art Exhibition, following the resignation of the International Jury appointed by curator Koyo Kouoh. The awards ceremony, originally scheduled for May 9, has been moved to November 22, the final public day, echoing a similar shift during the 2021 Architecture Exhibition due to COVID-19. The Visitors' Lions will be voted on by ticket holders who visit both exhibition venues between May 9 and November 22, with one award for the Best Participant in the exhibition "In Minor Keys" by Koyo Kouoh and another for the Best National Participation.
This decision matters because it reflects the Biennale's response to an exceptional geopolitical situation and the jury's resignation, emphasizing its commitment to openness, dialogue, and artistic freedom. By empowering visitors to vote, the Biennale reinforces its role as a democratic platform for art, ensuring that the exhibition remains a space for inclusion and truce amid global tensions. The shift also highlights the institution's adaptability in maintaining its core values during crises.