VENICE, Italy (AP) — The artist and curators representing Israel at this year’s Venice Biennale announced they won’t open the Israeli pavilion exhibition until there is a cease-fire in Gaza and an agreement to release hostages.
Their decision was posted on a sign on the Israeli national pavilion Tuesday, the first day of media previews, just days before the Biennale contemporary art fair opens Saturday.
Israel is among 88 national participants in the 60th Venice Biennale, which runs from April 20-Nov. 24. The exhibition in the Israeli Pavilion had been titled “Motherland” by artist Ruth Patir.
The sign read: “The artist and curators of the Israeli pavilion will open the exhibition when a ceasefire and hostage release agreement is reached.”
There was no immediate comment from the Biennale organizers.
Already, thousands of artists, curators and critics had signed an open letter calling on the Biennale to exclude the Israeli national pavilion from this year’s show to protest Israel’s war in Gaza. Italy’s culture minister had firmly backed Israel’s participation.
At least 15 killed in Israeli airstrikes on Rafah
Various Folk Cultural Activities Held to Celebrate Lantern Festival in China
Lion Dance Integrated with School Education in Tengxian, S China
Country Fairs Become New Attractions for Young City Dwellers
8th Aswan int'l women film festival opens in Egypt
Shanghai Issues First Community Property Declaratory Order
Development of Animation Industry Injects Vitality to Old Village in S China's Haikou
Shanghai Issues First Community Property Declaratory Order
Chinese citizen killed, another wounded in mass stabbing attack at Sydney mall
Spring Tea Picking Starts in Pu'er City, China's Yunnan
Recently reinstated receiver Quintez Cephus signs a one
Farmers in Hangzhou Start Harvesting Longjing Tea Leaves Ahead of Qingming Festival