Disputes have persisted two months into the 61st Venice Biennale. On July 17, several hundred people, including activists linked to the Art Not Genocide Alliance, marched in Campo San Zaccaria to protest the arrival of US ambassador Tilman Fertitta, who was visiting Venice as part of a coastal diplomacy tour marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. Demonstrators carried placards reading “Venezia non si USA,” a slogan that can be understood as both “Venice is not for the US” and “Venice is not to be used,” alongside signs such as “Fertitta must go” and “Make America go away.” Protestors clashed with riot police as they approached the luxury superyacht’s berth; some activists said they were objecting not only to the ambassador’s visit but also to the conspicuous display of wealth.