Iran will not participate at the 2026 Venice Biennale

Iran cancelled its participation in the 61st Venice Biennale just days before the opening on 9 May, The Art Newspaper reports, with organisers announcing the withdrawal on 4 May without giving a reason. Iran had not yet named an artist or pavilion details, listing only Aydin Mahdizadeh Tehrani (director general of visual arts at the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance) as commissioner. The cancellation comes amid rising US–Iran tensions following a ceasefire said to have been in place since 8 April, and an anonymous source cited logistical barriers such as the absence of flights and postage. Iran first joined the Biennale in 1956, returned in 2003 after decades away, and participated more consistently from 2015; the withdrawal adds to a turbulent lead-up that also included the resignation of the Biennale’s five-person prize jury and a shift of Golden Lion decisions to a popular vote with the ceremony moved from May to November.

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