Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano stated that despite calls to exclude Israel from this year's Venice Biennale, the Israeli pavilion will proceed as scheduled.
Sangiuliano's response follows an open letter from artists, gallerists, and past and present biennale participants, led by the Art Not Genocide Alliance.
The letter demanded Israel's exclusion, labeling its presence as "pavilion genocide" and urging for a ceasefire in Gaza. It also criticized the Biennale organizers for alleged "double standards" in addressing global conflicts.
While the Venice Biennale management has yet to respond, the Italian Culture Minister denounced the letter as "shameful."
He emphasized Israel's right and obligation to showcase its art, particularly in light of recent attacks.
He affirmed the Biennale's role as a platform for freedom, dialogue, and tolerance, rejecting censorship.
In response, the Art Not Genocide alliance argued that culture loses its bridging potential when one nation oppresses another.
Israel has participated in the Venice Biennale since 1950, regularly showcasing Israeli artists' work.
This year, Israeli artist Ruth Patir's project, curated by Mira Lapidot and Tamar Margalit, is set for presentation.
The theme, "Strangers Everywhere," underscores global crises and displacement struggles, aiming to unite refugee artists, emigrants, expatriates, and diaspora members.
The Biennale is scheduled from April 20 to November 24, 2024.
