Protesters Shut Down Israeli Pavilion Ahead of Biennale-Wide Strike
ANGA: “No to the genocide pavilion.” Photo: Matteo de Mayda.
The Israeli Pavilion at the Venice Biennale was closed earlier today after dozens of artists and cultural workers assembled to protest against the country’s presence at the prestigious international art exhibition.
The demonstration, mobilised by the activist group Art Not Genocide Alliance (ANGA), began at 12.30pm during an early preview of the biennale accessible mostly to art world professionals and invited guests.
A statement about today’s action from ANGA said: “The Israeli Pavilion was closed in 2024 also due to pressure from ANGA’s campaign and remains closed to this day in its historic site at the Giardini. In light of this closure, the Biennale chose to provide Israel with an alternative venue at the Arsenale for the 2026 edition.
“This is not a neutral administrative decision, this is active institutional support for a state committing genocide.”
Protesters unfurled banners and distributed leaflets reading “no to the genocide pavilion” and “end cultural diplomacy now”. Some wore keffiyehs—the traditional Middle Eastern scarves that have become a symbol of the pro-Palestinian movement—and waved Palestinian flags, while leading chants of “no art washing”, “shut it down”, and “silence is complicity”.
Security guards swiftly moved to close the pavilion, and several Italian police officers stood guard in front of the doors.
“The aim for this direct action is to protest with our bodies the material presence of the Israeli pavilion,” said an ANGA organiser who asked to remain anonymous, in line with the group’s collective stance. “We will not let business go on as usual during the opening.”
While protesters had dispersed within an hour, the pavilion remained closed for approximately another 90 minutes.
Immediately following the action, Ocula attempted to access the pavilion to speak with organisers and Belu-Simion Fainaru, who is representing Israel, but were refused access by a police officer. Neither the artist nor the biennale’s press office responded to requests for comment.
Today’s protest happened ahead of a culture sector strike slated to take place on Friday, which aims to shut down the biennale for 24 hours. ANGA, which is co-ordinating its actions with several arts unions, has said it will be the first-ever organised strike to occur within the biennale.
Participating artists are being asked to cover their works and pavilion staff to close their doors. A public demonstration in support of the picket is expected to take place outside of the Giardini at 4.30pm.
To date, 236 artists, curators, and arts workers taking part in the biennial have signed a letter calling for Israel to be excluded from the biennale, including artists Alfredo Jaar, who is in the main exhibition, and French pavilion artist Yto Barrada.
The Israel pavilion is located in the Arsenale this year while its usual Giardini venue is being renovated. Belu-Simion Fainaru is showing a large sculpture of dripping water entitled Rose of Nothingness.
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