Iran nimmt nicht an Biennale teil
Iran has withdrawn from the Venice Biennale, according to an announcement by the Biennale organization reported in Italian media. No reasons were given for the decision. The withdrawal comes amid significant turmoil at the Biennale just days before its official opening on Saturday: the entire jury resigned over disputes regarding the treatment of Russia and Israel, the opening ceremony was canceled, and the traditional awarding of Golden Lions at the start has been postponed to the final day in November, with winners now to be decided by visitor vote rather than a jury.
This development underscores the deepening politicization of the Venice Biennale, one of the world's most prestigious art events. Iran's exit, combined with the jury's mass resignation and the cancellation of the opening ceremony, signals that geopolitical tensions are increasingly disrupting the Biennale's operations and governance. The shift to a visitor-determined prize system marks an unprecedented departure from curatorial authority, raising questions about the future structure and credibility of the awards.