Creative Australia Faces Backlash After Dropping Artist from Venice Biennale

The decision to rescind Khaled Sabsabi's selection has triggered resignations, calls for an inquiry, and concerns over artistic freedom.

Creative Australia revoked Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino's invitation to represent Australia at the 2026 Venice Biennale following political and media scrutiny of Sabsabi's earlier works.
The board's decision, made without consulting the artist, has led to multiple resignations, including prominent artist Lindy Lee and key staff members from Creative Australia.
Critics argue the move undermines artistic freedom and reflects a failure to defend the integrity of the selection process against external pressures.
The arts community has widely condemned the decision, with calls for a boycott of the Australian pavilion and demands to reinstate Sabsabi and Dagostino.
An independent review of the selection process has been announced, though its scope reportedly excludes the decision to rescind the invitation.