Venice Biennale targeted by strike action and protests over Israel's involvement

AI Summary

Protests and a 24-hour strike at the Venice Biennale have been organized in opposition to Israel's participation in the prestigious arts festival. Activists argue that Israel's involvement symbolizes an attempt to 'artwash' its actions in Gaza, showcasing over 100 demonstrators voicing solidarity with Palestinian artists whose lives and works have been affected by the ongoing conflicts.

Venice Biennale targeted by strike action and protests over Israel's involvement Protests will take place on Friday against Israel’s participation in the Venice Biennale, with a 24-hour cultural strike called by a coalition of Italian and international unions and activist groups. The strike, which is the first to be organised within the prestigious arts festival, follows protests on its first day of Russia and Israel’s involvement.  On Wednesday, the Art Not Genocide Alliance (Anga) organised a direct action in solidarity with Palestine outside the Israeli pavilion at the Venice Biennale’s Arsenale complex. Hundreds of protesters, holding signs including “No artwashing genocide” and “No genocide pavilion”, gathered for speeches by artists and artworkers exhibiting and working at this year’s Biennale.  All of them were protesting against Israel's inclusion in the festival. Israel has killed scores of Palestinian artists and destroyed many cultural and artistic sites during its genocide in Gaza. Read more: Venice Biennale targeted by strike action and protests over Israel's involvement The Art Not Genocide Alliance protests against Israel's involvement in the Venice Biennale, in Venice, Italy, on 6 May 2026 (Anga)