Iran Withdraws from the 2026 Venice Biennale

Just days before the doors open to the public for one of the world's most prestigious art events, organizers of the 61st International Art Exhibition have confirmed that Iran will not participate in the 2026 Venice Biennale.

"La Biennale has been informed that the Islamic Republic of Iran will not participate," the organizing committee stated, offering no specific reason for the sudden withdrawal. The announcement comes as the exhibition prepares to launch on May 9, with approximately 100 countries expected to take part, including debutants Tanzania and Seychelles.

Iran has a significant history with the Biennale, having returned in 2003 after a nearly three-decade absence and participating in most editions since. The nation's 2024 pavilion was particularly notable, addressing women's rights under the poignant title Of One Essence is the Human Race. For the 2026 edition, the planned commissioner was listed as Aydin Mahdizadeh Tehrani, the director general of visual arts at Iran's Ministry of Culture.

The Iranian withdrawal adds to a series of disruptions and controversies surrounding this year's event. South Africa has also announced it will not present a pavilion, marking the first time since 2011 that the nation has sat out the exhibition. This decision follows a legal dispute regarding a Gaza-focused artwork by Gabrielle Goliath.

Tensions have further escalated within the organization itself. Last week, the Biennale's five-member jury resigned en masse, stepping down from their duties to award the coveted Golden and Silver Lion prizes. In response, organizers introduced "Visitor Lions," a new category where winners will be selected by public vote and announced on November 22.

The jury's resignation followed a controversial April 22 statement declaring that countries facing charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) would be ineligible for awards—a move widely interpreted as targeting Russia and Israel. While a direct link between the statement and the jury's departure has not been officially confirmed, the timing has fueled speculation.

Additionally, diplomatic friction is evident in the handling of the Russian Pavilion. While the space opened for the preview period from May 5 to 8, it will remain closed to the general public for the duration of the main exhibition.

As the Biennale prepares to welcome global audiences, the absence of Iran, combined with the jury's resignation and the exclusion of the Russian pavilion, casts a shadow of geopolitical complexity over the celebration of contemporary art.

This article was previously published on omanmoments. To see the original article, click here