Creative Australia Faces Backlash Over Dropped Venice Biennale Team
The decision to rescind Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino's selection has ignited a debate on artistic freedom, political interference, and governance in Australia's arts community.
- Creative Australia withdrew Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino's selection for the 2026 Venice Biennale after parliamentary questions highlighted past politically sensitive artworks by Sabsabi.
- The decision has sparked widespread condemnation from over 4,000 signatories, including prominent Australian artists and arts workers, who argue it undermines artistic freedom and trust in the agency.
- Critics have accused the government-run arts body of political interference and poor risk management, with calls for an independent review into the decision-making process.
- The controversy has left Australia's participation in the 2026 Venice Biennale uncertain, with concerns the pavilion may remain empty or lack legitimacy among the arts community.
- The fallout has raised broader concerns about the relationship between the Albanese government and the arts sector, particularly in culturally significant areas like Western Sydney.
The Sydney Morning Herald 
The Guardian 