Artist Khaled Sabsabi Condemns Creative Australia's Decision as Career-Damaging

Sabsabi criticizes the revocation of his Venice Biennale appointment, citing emotional and professional harm, while pursuing independent efforts to exhibit his work.

• Creative Australia revoked Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino's Venice Biennale appointment in February 2025, citing concerns over political and media criticism of Sabsabi's past works.
• Sabsabi has publicly denounced the decision as a 'kneejerk' reaction, stating it has caused significant harm to his career, well-being, and reputation.
• The artist emphasized that his disputed works critique war and media propaganda rather than endorsing terrorism, racism, or violence, countering accusations made against him.
• Sabsabi and Dagostino have launched a crowdfunding campaign to independently exhibit their planned work in Venice, focusing on themes of identity, migration, and resilience.
• The controversy has led to significant backlash, including protests, petitions, resignations from Creative Australia's board, and the postponement of other exhibitions featuring Sabsabi's work.

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