Strikes and protests against Israel’s participation in Venice Biennale
Middle East Eye
A coalition of Italian and international unions and activist groups has called for a 24-hour cultural strike on Friday to protest Israel’s participation in the Venice Biennale. This follows opening-day demonstrations and a direct action outside the Israeli pavilion on Wednesday, where hundreds gathered with signs condemning genocide.
Protests are set to take place on Friday against Israel’s participation in the Venice Biennale, with a 24-hour cultural strike called by a coalition of Italian and international unions and activist groups.
This is the first strike organized within the framework of the prestigious art festival, following protests from the very first day targeting the presence of Russia and Israel.
On Wednesday, the Art Not Genocide Alliance (ANGA) held a direct action in support of Palestine outside the Israeli pavilion at the Arsenale complex of the Venice Biennale. Hundreds of protesters, holding signs reading “No artwashing for genocide” and “No genocide pavilion,” gathered to hear speeches from artists and art workers exhibiting and working at this year’s Biennale.
All are opposing Israel’s participation in the festival. Israel has killed numerous Palestinian artists and destroyed many cultural and art sites during its genocidal war in Gaza.
