Stories from Venice · Italy

Conductor Michael Tilson Thomas has died at the age of 81. He was a renowned figure in the classical music world. His death was reported by multiple sources across different locations. His passing was noted across multiple stations.

South Africa has stated it will not participate in the Biennale. This decision follows the invitation of Russia, despite its ongoing war, for the sake of international understanding.

An event in Venice is considered due to the large number of tourists it attracts.

May Day demonstrations in Italy focused on workers' rights and wage issues. Union leaders called for a system to annually revalue salaries during contract renewals, criticizing the government's recently approved labor decree.

Artist Guadalupe Maravilla reported being racially profiled by two police officers in Venice who demanded his documents. Maravilla is in Venice to install work for the Biennale.

Venezia has secured promotion to the top Italian football division with one matchday remaining in the season. Monza's loss to Mantova secured Venezia's return to the top Italian football league after one season in Serie B. Frosinone and Monza are competing for the second direct promotion spot.

An international art exhibition titled Veneza will run from May 9 to November 22, 2026. The installation at Fondaco dei Tedeschi in Venice will respond in real time to global seismic activity. A parallel program will be held at Galeria Zé dos Bois in Lisbon between June and November. The exhibition features multidisciplinary talent including architect and musician José Luís Tinoco. The project is described as an installation that responds to real-time seismic data.

The entire jury of a film festival has resigned following a controversy regarding the participation of Russia and Israel. The jury argued that the governments of Russia and Israel face accusations of war crimes, making an award ceremony for these nations impossible.

Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli is investigating the Russian pavilion following a jury conflict. Russia has not participated in the Biennale since 2022. Administrators of the Venice Biennale are questioning whether the foundation, led by Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, complied with European Regulation 833/2014 and EU sanctions. The inquiry follows a reported visit regarding the potential reopening of the Russian pavilion. Fabrizio Caccia reported on the defense line being taken by the foundation. The Italian Ministry of Culture has sent an inspection team to the Venice Biennale Foundation. The probe follows an administrative lawsuit involving materials found on a satirical website containing memes and jokes. Authorities are examining whether content related to race and language violates extremist activity and information laws.

The Venice Biennale has rescheduled its awards ceremony to November 22 following the resignation of the international jury. The decision follows a commission's suspension of 2 million euros in exhibition funding one week ago. The funding suspension was linked to the presence of a Russian pavilion at the event. Mikhail Shevetko, the presidential special representative for international cultural cooperation, commented on the situation. The jury of the Venice Biennale resigned following the cancellation of funding from the European Commission regarding the Russian pavilion. This resignation follows an investigation by the Italian Ministry of Culture into whether sanctions were violated concerning Russia's return to the art fair. Biennale President Petrangeli Butafooka stated he considered it better for the jury to step down.