Cultural workers affiliated with the Art Not Genocide Alliance (ANGA) are set to protest during United States Ambassador to Italy Tilman Fertitta's visit to Venice on Friday, July 17. The protest coincides with Fertitta's docking of his 384-foot superyacht in the city, as part of a cruise celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
Protest Motivations and Background
The demonstration stems from ANGA's historic actions, including a significant protest on May 8 during the 61st Venice Biennale. ANGA mobilized in support of Palestine, denouncing the U.S. for its role in arming and politically supporting Israel amid ongoing violence in Gaza.
According to ANGA's social media statement, they are protesting to highlight that “the United States continues to arm, finance and politically shield Israel’s genocide in Palestine.” The group criticizes Fertitta as a representative of complicity, stating, “Today, that same complicity docks in Venice in the form of a Trump ambassador celebrating 'American values' aboard a $450 million superyacht.”
Recent Actions by the Art Not Genocide Alliance
Next Friday’s protest follows a series of impactful actions by ANGA, including the first-ever cultural workers' strike in the Venice Biennale’s history. This strike saw workers from Venice’s cultural sector protesting against Israeli participation in the event, resulting in the closure of several national pavilions as demonstrators carried signs reading “no artwashing genocide.”
