Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino Dropped as Australia’s Venice Biennale Representatives

The artistic duo, Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino, withdrew from representing Australia at the 61st Venice Biennale, expressing deep hurt and disappointment over Creative Australia’s decision to rescind their appointment. The move came in response to media and political criticism.

Initial Announcement and Criticism

Khaled Sabsabi, a prominent Lebanese Australian artist, and Michael Dagostino, a renowned curator, were selected last week to represent Australia at the 2026 Biennale, based on a panel of independent industry advisers’ recommendations.

However, after a board meeting on Thursday, Creative Australia removed Sabsabi and Dagostino from the position. This unprecedented decision was prompted by criticism of Sabsabi’s art from The Australian newspaper and Senator Claire Chandler, who challenged the selection on grounds of anti-Semitism.

Artistic Freedom vs. Political Pressure

“Art should not be censored as artists reflect the times they live in,” Sabsabi and Dagostino affirmed in their statement to Guardian Australia.

The artists emphasized their intention to create a transformational work in Venice that would unite diverse audiences in a shared, open, and safe space. They believed that their vision aligned with the broader goals of fostering an inclusive future and promoting open communication.

“We believe in the power of artists to contribute significantly to societal progress and to communicate our shared humanity,” the duo said.

Community Response and Solidarity

In a letter to Creative Australia’s board, other shortlisted artists and curators decried the decision, urging the reinstatement of Sabsabi and Dagostino.

“This decision is against the core values of arts in Australia, including artistic independence, freedom of speech, and moral courage,” they wrote, emphasizing art’s essential role in shaping a robust and democratic society.

A Divisive Debate

The controversy stems from one of Sabsabi’s works, which was seen as ambiguous and provocative by some.

On the Museum of Contemporary Art website, the piece is described as manipulating video footage to obscure the face of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, casting him in a divine light. This work was interpreted to tap into Western fears of cultural difference and the influence of media in shaping public opinion.

Creative Australia cited avoiding a “divisive debate” as a reason for their decision. However, the arts community expressed outrage over the move to censor artistic expression.

“Creative Australia is meant to support artistic freedom, not judge artistic expression,” they said in their statement.

Reaction from Noted Artists

The controversy garnered swift condemnation from influential artists in Australia.

“I am totally shocked and in disbelief about this decision,” said Tony Albert, a First Nations artist. “It is deeply saddening to see artistic bravery and ambition silenced in today’s political climate.”

Hayley Millar Baker, who was another shortlisted candidate, expressed solidarity with Sabsabi, stating, “We stand in support of Khaled.”

Artist James Nguyen, who was also shortlisted, and his curator Anna Davis, called for respecting the final decision by the industry-led jury, saying, “We want the original choice respected.”

Jason Phu, a three-time Archibald finalist and Sulman prize winner, highlighted the broader implications of this decision.

“This move sets a dangerous precedent for censoring artists based on their work’s alignment with a government’s agenda,” Phu tweeted. “Until Sabsabi is reinstated, this is the end of Australia’s official presence at the Venice Biennale, a boycott on the pavilion forever.”

The Future of Australian Representation at the Venice Biennale

Sabsabi and Dagostino remain committed to their artistic vision, declaring their intention to seek community support for a global platform where they can present their work.

“We will continue to push the boundaries of art, unafraid to provoke thought and discussion,” they said, emphasizing their unwavering belief in the power of art to foster understanding and dialogue.

Creative Australia announced its intent to review the selection process for the 2026 Venice Biennale, aiming to ensure that future appointments align with the principles of artistic independence and freedom.

Conclusion

The removal of Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino from representing Australia at the Venice Biennale has sparked a heated debate about artistic freedom, political interference, and the role of arts institutions in a democratic society.

As the arts community rallies behind the dismissed artists, the controversy underscores the delicate balance between supporting free expression and addressing public concerns in the realm of international representation.

The saga continues to unfold, with significant implications for the future of Australian participation in prestigious international art events.

This incident has strengthened the resolve of many artists and allies, who believe that protecting the right to express controversial ideas is crucial for a thriving art scene.

As the dust settles on this controversy, the focus now shifts to the future of artistic representation and the mechanisms in place to ensure that such decisions align with the principles of artistic freedom and integrity.

Your Thoughts

We invite you to share your opinions on this matter. What do you think about the decision to rescind Sabsabi and Dagostino’s appointment? Does it reflect a broader issue within the arts community?

Please leave your comments below, or share your thoughts on social media. Your insights are invaluable and help foster a richer conversation.

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