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. |
Business boom: Record numbers of people are starting up new small businessesKeith McNally strikes again! RazorLudvig Aberg backs up the hype, finishes 2nd at the Masters in his first majorCiting safety, USC cancels speech by valedictorian who has publicly supported PalestiniansBYU hires Suns assistant Kevin Young to replace Mark Pope, who left to coach KentuckyChina's spy agency encourages people to see spies everywhere — Radio Free AsiaChina's spy agency encourages people to see spies everywhere — Radio Free AsiaMichigan gets 3 years of probation for football recruiting violationsUS lawmakers relaunch Uyghur caucus — Radio Free AsiaAdvocates push for full Medicaid expansion as Mississippi legislators enter negotiations