US EditionArtist Reinstated to Biennale After Hezbollah Artwork Furor
- Creative Australia announced the reinstatement of Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino as Australia’s 2026 Venice Biennale representatives after reversing its earlier decision.
- After their February appointment, Creative Australia rescinded Sabsabi’s invitation citing concerns over early works referencing terrorism and the risk of divisive debate.
- Over 4,000 supporters, including prominent artists, called for Sabsabi and Dagostino's reinstatement, prompting resignations and the indefinite postponement of Sabsabi’s museum show.
- Creative Australia accepted all review recommendations, allowing the duo to resume project preparations, issued a formal apology, and committed to governance improvements.
- Creative Australia’s board plans reforms to rebuild trust and will implement all review recommendations, potentially changing Venice Biennale selection procedures, to ensure greater transparency and accountability.
28 Articles
28 Articles
Team representing Malta at the Biennale di Venezia 2026 unveiled
Adrian Abela, Charlie Cauchi and Raphael Vella will be representing Malta at the prestigious Biennale di Venezia International Art Exhibition in 2026.Established in 1895, La Biennale di Venezia, a platform for the exhibition of works by international artists, is today acknowledged as one of the most prestigious cultural institutions.The 61st edition of the Venice Art...
Khaled Sabsabi Reinstated as Australia’s Venice Biennale Artist
Artist Khaled Sabsabi (left) and curator Michael Dagostino (right) (photo by Anna Kucera for Creative Australia) Artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino will represent Australia at the 2026 Venice Biennale after Creative Australia, the selection body for the country’s pavilion, reversed a controversial decision to drop the pair earlier this year. The organization’s board rescinded Sabsabi and Dagostino’s Venice Biennale appointment i…
After a political debate, artist Khaled Sabsabi was tapped earlier this year to represent Australia at the Venice Biennale in 2026. Now comes the news that the cultural council has changed its mind, reports The Guardian.
Backflip: Creative Australia Reinstates Artists Behind Hezbollah, Bin Laden Imagery
An artistic duo whose works featured a Hezbollah leader in a glorifying light will represent Australia on the global stage despite being banned earlier in the year. Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino had been selected by Creative Australia to represent Australia at the 2026 Venice Biennale, a major international art exhibition showcasing creative works from around the world. In February, Liberal Senator Claire Chandler expressed her concerns t…
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