South Africa has decided to withdraw a performance mourning victims of Israel’s genocide in Gaza that was selected for the country’s 2026 Venice Biennale pavilion. The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture made the decision, stating that the pavilion should focus on promoting South Africa’s own story rather than getting involved in divisive global disputes. The artist Gabrielle Goliath and curator Ingrid Masondo had proposed a performance titled Elegy, which aimed to address various crises including the situation in Gaza, femicide in South Africa, and historical genocides.
The decision to reject the artwork came from the Department’s minister, Gayton McKenzie, who found the content regarding Israel and Gaza to be highly divisive and potentially controversial. McKenzie threatened to withdraw South Africa from the Biennale if the work was not removed, a move that was criticized by the country’s pavilion selection committee as unconstitutional. The committee members defended their decision to accept Elegy in an open letter, emphasizing the importance of free expression and artistic integrity.
The organization Art Periodic, which was appointed to lead the fundraising and production of the pavilion, announced that they no longer have the mandate to proceed with the project. South Africa Friends of Israel shared a video on Facebook showing McKenzie denying the genocide in Gaza, a claim that contradicts the official stance of the United Nations and human rights groups. The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture denied allegations of censorship and stated that McKenzie’s concern was to prevent the pavilion from becoming a platform for geopolitical conflicts.
Goliath and Masondo have appealed the decision to South Africa’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation. McKenzie’s communications suggested a preference for works that portray South Africa in a positive light. Despite the controversy, South Africa will still participate in the Venice Biennale, with the Department retaining control of administration and curation.
It is essential to prioritize the promotion of South Africa’s cultural heritage and artistic expression while avoiding getting entangled in international conflicts. The decision to withdraw the performance from the Biennale reflects a commitment to showcasing the country’s unique narrative and creative vision on a global stage.
