Overview
- Iran withdrew on Monday, cutting the roster to 100 national pavilions and leaving organizers without a stated reason for the late pullout.
- Preview events opened Tuesday with Russia readmitted but confined to press days only, after which its pavilion will be closed to the public as the EU moves to pull about €2 million in funding over Moscow’s inclusion.
- The five-member jury resigned on April 30 after signaling it would exclude states whose leaders face International Criminal Court charges, triggering the cancellation of jury-awarded Golden and Silver Lions.
- Organizers created two public “Visitor Lions” to be awarded on November 22, with each eligible ticket holder casting one vote for best national participation and one for best artist in the main show after visiting both the Giardini and the Arsenale.
- Protests and counter-statements marked preview week over Israel’s participation, while Biennale officials reiterated they lack authority under Italian rules to remove countries recognized as states.