Australian artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino were originally selected to represent Australia at the 2026 Venice Biennale. However, Creative Australia recently announced that their selection had been rescinded, sparking a heated debate in the art community.
Creative Australia cited concerns that Sabsabi’s previous works could negatively impact public confidence in government-funded arts programs. Among the contentious works is a video featuring Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, as well as “Thank You Very Much,” a piece referencing the September 11 attacks. These themes have provoked strong reactions, ultimately leading to the cancellation of their selection.
The decision has prompted widespread discussion in artistic and cultural circles. Critics are debating how to balance artistic freedom of expression with maintaining public trust in arts funding. Calls for an independent investigation into the selection process have also been growing. This controversy highlights ongoing tensions between political sensitivities, artistic autonomy, and institutional responsibility.