Hey travelers, it’s official: the International Jury of the Biennale Arte 2026 has been selected. A piece of news that immediately shines a spotlight on one of the world’s most iconic cultural events, the Venice Art Biennale, a major international exhibition in the visual arts organized by la biennale di venezia, which each year transforms Venice into an international crossroads of art, vision, and contemporary trends.
The Venice Art Biennale 2026 will take place from May 9 to November 22, with three days of private previews running from May 6-8. The theme for this year is 'In Minor Keys', all about how artists have conversations across generations and create emotional connections through their work.
If you're planning a trip to Venice in the coming months then now's the time to get the ball rolling on your trip - and the perfect tools to help you do just that are right here.
Discover the International Jury of the Biennale Arte 2026 in this guide by Venice Insider Guide.
The International Jury for the Biennale Arte 2026
The International Jury for the 61st Venice Biennale's International Art Exhibition will be the ones deciding which works and national pavilions make the cut, and this is one of the most hotly anticipated events on the global cultural calendar. The curatorial team appointed by the artistic director, play a huge role in shaping the whole exhibition - from deciding the concept and context, to choosing which artists to feature and how to display their work.
Not surprisingly, the international jury is made up of some of the biggest names in art - curators, museum directors and art critics who have an expertise that stretches across loads of different areas. The 61st International Art Exhibition is going to be structured around things like Shrines, Processional Assemblies and Schools, which all tie in with the curatorial theme 'In Minor Keys', and how it highlights the importance of listening, relationships and emotional connections. 'In Minor Keys' will also be looking at intergenerational dialogue, bringing together 111 artists and collectives, spanning generations from 1943 to 1997.
The International Jury for the Venice Art Biennale usually gets announced in April, once National Participations and Collateral Events are also up and running - and these are what bring you all the artistic contributions from each country, and the extra events that happen alongside the main show across the city.
It's the International Jury who get to hand out the prestigious Golden and Silver Lions - symbols of really standing out at the Biennale - to the best and most innovative work of all, and the work that really captures the spirit of the present day. The jury's decision will be made after looking at all the proposals put forward by the artists and curators, which are then judged on their artistic merit and how well they fit in with the Biennale's overall theme.
Ceremony will take place in Venice on May 9 2026
The ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 9 2026 - this is when all will be revealed at the central pavilion, a key venue for the Biennale. The official press conference announcing the event and the International Jury will take place at Ca' Giustinian, a beautiful spot in the heart of Venice. This is more than just a formal occasion, it's a chance to experience one of the city's most special events, set in one of the worlds most unique cities, where art, architecture and history all come together.
For anyone planning to visit Venice in this time, just being a part of the buzz of the Biennale is a chance to see the city in a whole new and even more authentic light.
International Jury of the Biennale Arte 2026: who are they?
The international jury of the Biennale Arte 2026 is composed of four prominent figures in the global art scene. Here’s who they are:
Solange Oliveira Farkas
Solange Oliveira Farkas served as artistic director of the Videobrasil Biennial and was director and chief curator of the Museu de Arte Moderna da Bahia (Brazil, 2007–2010). She is also the president, founder, and artistic director of the Associação Cultural Videobrasil. During her curatorial career, she has participated in international events, including:
- FUSO (Portugal);
- Dak’Art (Senegal);
- Jakarta International Video Festival (Indonesia); Sharjah Biennial (UAE).
Zoe Butt
Zoe Butt is a curator and writer. In 2025, she was appointed artistic director of “deCentral,” and in 2022, she founded “in-tangible institute,” a curatorial platform that supports local arts infrastructures in Southeast Asia.
Elvira Dyangani Ose
Elvira Dyangani Ose is the artistic director of the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial 2026–2027. She has served as:
- director of MACBA in Barcelona from 2021 to 2026;
- director and chief curator of The Showroom in London;
- curator of the 8th edition of the Gothenburg International Biennial for Contemporary Art.
Marta Kuzma
Marta Kuzma is a professor of art at the Yale School of Art. She has served as:
- artistic director and chief curator of Faktura 10 (Ribbon International);
- chancellor of the Royal Institute of Art in Stockholm;
- director of the Office for Contemporary Art (OCA) in Norway;
- founding director of the Soros Center for Contemporary Art in Kyiv.
Giovanna Zapperi
Giovanna Zapperi is a full professor of contemporary art history. As an art historian and critic, she has published essays in journals and catalogs of international exhibitions. She is the author of L’artiste est une femme. La modernité de Marcel Duchamp.
Awards
Next up: the 2026 edition of the Biennale Arte will see the jury handing out some prestigious Golden Lion and Silver Lion awards. These are no mean feat, and the lucky recipients will have their work put squarely in the spotlight.
- Golden Lion for Best National Participation;
- Golden Lion for Best Participant in the International Exhibition In Minor Keys;
- Silver Lion for a Promising Young Participant in the International Exhibition In Minor Keys.
Sadly, this year there won't be any Golden Lions for Lifetime Achievement, as the late Koyo Kouoh - who was going to decide on the winners - wasn't able to finalise the list before her passing. Her loss is deeply felt.
FAQs
When does the Biennale Arte 2026 take place? The Biennale Arte 2026 officially opens in May, with exhibitions and events running for several months. The exhibition will feature 111 invited participants, including 105 individual artists and collectives, and 6 artist-led organizations, spanning generations from 1943 to 1997.
Where is the Biennale held in Venice? The main venues include the Giardini, the Arsenale, and various exhibition spaces spread across the city. The Austrian Pavilion will host a performance art project by Florentina Holzinger, focusing on feminist themes and female representation. Notable participating artists include Ebony G. Patterson and Alice Maher.
Should I book tickets in advance? Yes, especially during peak periods, to avoid long queues.
Why is the jury important? The jury determines the official award winners, significantly influencing the international visibility of the artists. The selection of artists for national pavilions involves curators and commissioners appointed by ministries of culture. The exhibition will present diverse formats and highlight each artist's universe, with projects where the artist creates immersive experiences.
Conclusion
The selection of the jury of the Biennale Arte 2026, with its focus on innovative proposal and interdisciplinary approach, marks the beginning of a new chapter for one of the most iconic events in the world.
For art-loving travelers, Venice once again confirms itself as a must-visit destination, where past and future meet among canals, historic streets, and contemporary installations.
The Biennale continues to shape the possible future of contemporary art, inspiring new directions and creative visions for artists and audiences alike.
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