Political Protests Cause Instability at the Venice Biennale

May 14, 2026, 11:06
EuropeCulture

Introduction

The Venice Biennale is currently facing serious operational problems as several participants and funding organizations protest the inclusion of Russia and Israel in the event.

Main Body

The current event has been marked by a series of official withdrawals. For example, the five-member jury resigned nine days before the event started because nations under investigation by the International Criminal Court were participating. At the same time, the European Commission stopped its financial support to show opposition to Russia's involvement, and seventy artists refused to be considered for prizes due to Israel's presence. Consequently, several national pavilions have remained empty. This situation contradicts the official goals of the Biennale, which emphasizes openness and the rejection of censorship. President Pietrangelo Buttafuoco emphasized that excluding specific nations would damage the organization's mission to bring the world together. Furthermore, the current atmosphere is different from the vision of the late curator, Koyo Kouoh, who wanted the theme 'In Minor Keys' to focus on reflection and dignity rather than the spectacle of war. From a critical point of view, some argue that cultural boycotts are not effective. Historical examples suggest that banning art does not weaken political regimes but instead limits the experience of the audience. Additionally, because the jury resigned, the Golden and Silver Lions will now be decided by a public vote. Experts note that this change is a weakness that could allow external groups to manipulate the results.

Conclusion

The Venice Biennale remains caught in a conflict between its basic principles of open dialogue and the political demands of its participants.

Learning

🚀 The 'Logical Glue' Shift: Moving from A2 to B2

At the A2 level, you likely use and, but, and because. To reach B2, you need Connectors of Consequence and Contrast. These words change your writing from a simple list of facts into a professional argument.

🛠️ The Upgrade Map

Look at how this text replaces basic words with 'Power Connectors':

  • Instead of So →\rightarrow use Consequently

    • A2: Many artists left, so the rooms are empty.
    • B2: Seventy artists refused to participate. Consequently, several national pavilions have remained empty.

  • Instead of But →\rightarrow use Contradicts

    • A2: They want to be open, but they are fighting.
    • B2: This situation contradicts the official goals of the Biennale.

  • Instead of Also →\rightarrow use Furthermore or Additionally

    • A2: He likes art. Also, he likes peace.
    • B2: Excluding nations would damage the mission. Furthermore, the current atmosphere is different from the vision of the curator.

🧠 Pro Tip: The 'Cause →\rightarrow Effect' Chain

B2 fluency is about showing how one thing leads to another. Notice the chain in the article: Jury resigns →\rightarrow Public vote replaces them →\rightarrow External groups might manipulate results.

To mimic this, stop using short, choppy sentences. Try to link your ideas using this formula: [Action] →\rightarrow [Consequently] →\rightarrow [Result].

📚 Vocabulary for the Bridge

  • Involvement (B2) vs. Being in (A2)
  • Opposition to (B2) vs. Disliking (A2)
  • Effective (B2) vs. Good/Working (A2)

Vocabulary Learning

withdrawals (n.)
the act of leaving or removing oneself from participation
Example:The jury’s withdrawals from the competition shocked the organizers.
jury (n.)
a group of people who decide the outcome of a competition
Example:The jury was responsible for selecting the best artwork.
resigned (v.)
to leave a job or position voluntarily
Example:The jury resigned before the event began.
investigation (n.)
a detailed examination or inquiry into a matter
Example:The investigation by the International Criminal Court was ongoing.
opposition (n.)
the act of resisting or disagreeing with something
Example:The European Commission showed its opposition by halting funding.
censorship (n.)
the suppression of ideas or information
Example:The Biennale’s rejection of censorship is a core value.
curator (n.)
a person who manages or looks after a collection or exhibition
Example:The late curator wanted the theme to focus on reflection.
spectacle (n.)
an impressive or eye‑catching display, often for entertainment
Example:The exhibition turned into a spectacle of war rather than art.
boycotts (n.)
the refusal to participate in or support something as a protest
Example:Cultural boycotts are sometimes used to pressure governments.
regimes (n.)
a government or system of rule, especially one that is authoritarian
Example:The boycott was aimed at weakening political regimes.
manipulate (v.)
to control or influence in a clever or unfair way
Example:External groups could manipulate the results of the public vote.
principles (n.)
fundamental beliefs or rules that guide behavior
Example:The Biennale’s principles include open dialogue and artistic freedom.