Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino have expressed deep disappointment after Creative Australia withdrew their appointment to represent Australia at the 61st Venice Biennale due to external criticism of Sabsabi's artwork. This decision was made following a board meeting prompted by pressure from media and political figures, including a critique from art critics and the shadow arts minister. The artists asserted that their work aimed to foster inclusivity and community connection. Fellow artists condemned Creative Australia's decision, calling it a threat to artistic freedom and expression in Australia, emphasizing the importance of supporting unique voices in the arts.
Art should not be censored as artists reflect the times they live in, Sabsabi and Dagostino said in a statement.
We intended to present a transformational work in Venice, an experience that would unite all audiences in an open and safe shared space.
We believe that revoking support for the current Australian artist and curator representatives for Venice Biennale 2026 is antithetical to the goodwill and hard-fought artistic independence.
Despite this decision, the Australian art world will not dim and or be silent.
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