Iconic Global
Over 100 artists participating in the 2026 Venice Biennale have threatened legal action unless their names are removed from the ballot for the newly introduced Visitors’ Lions awards.
Unlike the traditional Golden Lion prizes, which are decided by a jury, the Visitors’ Lions are determined by a public vote. They are awarded in two categories: best artist in the main exhibition and best national pavilion.
The controversy stems from the resignation of the entire Golden and Silver Lion jury. The jury stepped down after announcing it would exclude artists and pavilions representing countries whose leaders face accusations of crimes against humanity from the International Criminal Court.
In solidarity with the resigning jury, originally handpicked by the late curator Koyo Kouoh, who organised the main exhibition ‘In Minor Keys,’ the group of artists demanded to be removed from consideration for the Visitors’ Lions.
According to an open letter published on e-flux, 52 artists, collectives, and estates from the main exhibition, along with 16 artists from national pavilions, first wrote to Biennale organisers on May 9 requesting exclusion from the award.
The artists claimed that on May 14, the organisers sent an email to ticketed visitors inviting them to vote, with a ballot that still included those who had asked to be withdrawn. Since then, the number of protesting artists has grown to 67 from the main exhibition and 39 national representatives.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the artists said they had twice asked the Biennale to remove their names from award consideration and any promotional materials, and to disqualify any votes already cast, without receiving a satisfactory response. They now plan to pursue legal proceedings if their names remain on the ballot.
The artists said their withdrawal is meant to uphold the independence of Kouoh’s appointed jury and defend its right to deliberate freely, free from pressure or fear of personal legal consequences.
First established on April 30, 1895, the Venice Biennale ranks among the world’s longest-running and most esteemed international art exhibitions.
Hosted in Venice, Italy, the event alternates each year between a focus on contemporary art and architecture.
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