Artists Withdraw from Visitor Lion Awards at Venice Biennale 2026

Artists participating in the exhibition In Minor Keys, curated by the late Koyo Kouoh for the 61st Venice Biennale, along with contributors from several National Pavilions including Türkiye, UAE, and France, have withdrawn from consideration for the Visitor Lion awards.

The move follows the resignation of the biennale’s jury on 30 April, prompting artists to express solidarity with the late curator’s selections.

In a collective statement, the artists emphasized that their withdrawal is an act of support for the jury Kouoh had chosen, highlighting the importance of respecting her vision and legacy. The biennale organizers responded to the jury’s resignation by introducing the Visitor Lion awards, which will now be decided through public voting during the biennale’s opening period.

The 61st Venice Biennale, one of the most prestigious events in the global art calendar, runs until 22 November 2026. This year’s edition has been marked by both celebration and controversy, with artists and curators navigating the aftermath of Kouoh’s unexpected passing and the subsequent jury resignation.

The withdrawal of artists from the awards underscores the ongoing tensions within the art world regarding curatorial independence, public engagement, and the evolving nature of prestigious biennales.

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