The organizers of the Venice Biennale have changed the format of the awards ceremony following the resignation of the international jury, according to an official statement from the international contemporary art exhibition, UNN reports.
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The decision was made following the resignation of the jury, and as ArtDependence notes, "Russia and Israel are once again competing for the award."
"All national participants included in the 61st exhibition, according to the official list, are eligible to receive the 'Visitors' Lion' for the best national work, in accordance with the principle of inclusivity and equal treatment of all participants," the Venice Biennale organizers said in a statement.
"Visitors' Lions" are awards that the Venice Biennale has decided to establish for this year's exhibition. There are to be two: for the best participant in the 61st exhibition "Exhibition In Minor Keys" by Koyo Kouoh; and for the best national work at the 61st exhibition. Visitors eligible to vote for the Visitors’ Lions are ticket holders who have visited both Exhibition venues during the opening period of the 61st Exhibition, from May 9 to November 22.
The Venice Biennale also decided to hold the awards ceremony, previously scheduled for May 9, on Sunday, November 22, "on the final day of the exhibition, as has happened in the past under other exceptional circumstances."
The organizers stated that the decision "is consistent with the fundamental spirit of the Venice Biennale, based on openness, dialogue, and the rejection of any form of exclusion or censorship."
Jury of the 2026 Venice Biennale resigns over controversial decision30.04.26, 20:17