The removal of Khaled Sabsabi from representing Australia at the 2026 Venice Biennale has ignited a significant controversy within the art world. Creative Australia, the government arts funding body, withdrew its selection of Sabsabi and his curator, Michael Dagostino, shortly after their appointment. The abrupt reversal, just weeks after his selection, has ignited a firestorm of criticism, raising questions about artistic freedom and political influence.
Creative Australia, the government’s arts funding body, decided to rescind their selection, citing concerns relating to Sabsabi’s past work, particularly imagery related to Middle Eastern politics, including depictions of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
The decision has triggered a wave of resignations within Creative Australia, including key figures in its visual arts department and board members. Prominent artists, including Golden Lion winners Archie Moore and Ellie Buttrose, have publicly condemned the move, calling it a blow to artistic expression.
The controversy has generated significant press coverage, highlighting concerns about artistic freedom, political influence, and the role of arts funding bodies. Here are the press coverage highlights:
The Art Newspaper
String of resignations after Khaled Sabsabi withdrawn from representing Australia at the Venice Biennale
Australia faces ‘international shame’ over removal of Khaled Sabsabi from Venice Biennale, senators told
Hyperallergic
Australia’s Gold Lion Winners “Appalled” by Decision to Drop Khaled Sabsabi
Artnet News
Artist Archie Moore ‘Appalled’ by Australia’s Decision to Drop Khaled Sabsabi From the 2026 Venice Biennale
RUSSH
Why Khaled Sabsabi is no longer representing Australia at Venice Biennale
This controversy has ignited a vital debate about the limits of artistic expression, the role of arts funding bodies, and the potential for political influence in cultural decisions. Many are concerned that this decision sets a dangerous precedent for censorship and undermines the integrity of Australia’s presence at the Venice Biennale. The art world will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds.