More than 500 Serbian artists, curators, and cultural workers have signed a petition objecting to the selection of artist Predrag Đaković as Serbia’s representative at the 2026 Venice Biennale. The decision, announced by the Ministry of Culture earlier this month, has sparked widespread criticism within the country’s art community.
Curator Lav Mrenović, one of the petition’s signatories, described the response as reflecting “mass dissatisfaction” among Belgrade’s contemporary art circles. Critics argue that the selection process lacked transparency and failed to reflect the diversity and dynamism of Serbia’s current art scene.
The Ministry of Culture has maintained that Đaković’s proposal was chosen through a competitive process, emphasizing his established career and the conceptual strength of his project. However, the petition calls for a review of the decision and demands clearer criteria for future national representations.
The controversy has drawn attention to broader debates about state involvement in art and the representation of national identity on international platforms such as the Venice Biennale. No changes to the selection have been announced as of now.
Athmaja Biju is the Editor at Abir Pothi. She is a Translator and Writer working on Visual Culture.
