Iran withdraws from Venice Biennale amid Middle East tensions

The Islamic Republic of Iran has withdrawn from the 2026 Venice Biennale just days before the opening exhibition, Euronews writes.

In a short statement published on the exhibition’s website, organizers said the Islamic Republic would not take part in the contemporary visual arts exhibition. However, no reasons for the withdrawal were given.

The publication notes that the withdrawal is not entirely surprising, as tensions remain high in the Middle East.

This year’s edition has already been affected by the tragic untimely death of its curator Koyo Kouoh and the decision of the organizers to invite Russia and Israel to participate.

In response, the jury resigned en masse last week after saying it wouldn’t consider entries from countries whose leaders are subject to international arrest warrants for crimes against humanity.

In the absence of a jury, the two main Golden Lion prizes for best national pavilion and best artist will now be decided by a public vote with the award ceremony now set to take place in November instead of this month.