Without Its Expert Jury, Venice Biennale Lets the Public Choose Its Prize Winners

Key Points:

• The Venice Biennale's Golden Lion awards, traditionally decided by an expert jury, will be replaced this year by a public vote due to the jury's resignation amid controversy over the participation of countries involved in violent conflicts, such as Israel and Russia.
• Visitors who have attended both main exhibition venues at Giardini and Arsenale can vote for two awards, with eligibility verified through ticketing; the Biennale will present two Visitors’ Lions reflecting the exceptional geopolitical situation.
• The five-member jury resigned following backlash over excluding artists from countries under investigation by the International Criminal Court and legal threats from the Israeli artist, highlighting the event's sensitivity to global political tensions.
• The Biennale has historically been influenced by geopolitical issues, with recent protests supporting Palestinians and opposing Russia’s pavilion due to the ongoing Ukraine war, intensifying the controversy this year.
• This public voting system is a new approach for the Venice Biennale, relying on existing entry technology, and its effectiveness and fairness remain untested in this prestigious international art event.