The jury of the Venice Biennale has decided to exclude Russia and Israel from consideration for artist awards at the prestigious international art exhibition, according to reports. The decision comes amid threats from the European Union to reduce funding for the event.

The Venice Biennale, one of the world's most important contemporary art exhibitions, typically awards prizes to participating artists and national pavilions. The exclusion of the two countries from award consideration represents a significant departure from the event's traditional approach to international participation.

The EU's threat to cut funding appears to be linked to broader geopolitical tensions and concerns about the participation of certain countries in cultural events. The European Union has been a significant supporter of the Venice Biennale, which relies on international funding and partnerships to maintain its operations.

The decision affects artists representing both Russia and Israel who are participating in the current edition of the Biennale. While their works remain on display, they will not be eligible for the exhibition's coveted awards, which can significantly boost artists' international profiles and career prospects.

The Venice Biennale has historically attempted to maintain its role as a neutral cultural forum, bringing together artists from around the world regardless of political circumstances. This latest development highlights the increasing challenges facing international cultural institutions in navigating geopolitical tensions while maintaining their educational and artistic missions.