Australia reinstates Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino for 2026 Venice Biennale after review
Following an independent review, Creative Australia has reinstated Khaled Sabsabi as an artist and Michael Dagostino as a curator to represent Australia at the 2026 Venice Biennale. Their initial appointments were revoked in mid-February due to backlash surrounding Sabsabi's earlier work, prompting protests, including the resignation of philanthropist Simon Mordant as a biennale ambassador. Additionally, several staff members of Creative Australia resigned in solidarity. An external review conducted by Blackhall & Pearl found no significant failures but identified errors that contributed to the initial dismissal. On July 2, Creative Australia embraced the review's suggestions, with interim chair Wesley Enoch expressing support for both Sabsabi and Dagostino, while Enoch and CEO Adrian Collette later expressed regret for the distress caused.
Key facts
- Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino reinstated as Australia's representatives for 2026 Venice Biennale
- Initial dismissal occurred in mid-February 2024 after criticism of Sabsabi's early work
- Independent review by Blackhall & Pearl found "a series of missteps, assumptions, and missed opportunities"
- Review identified tensions between artistic freedom and broader responsibilities at Creative Australia
- Philanthropist Simon Mordant resigned as biennale ambassador and withdrew financial support
- Several Creative Australia staff resigned in protest including Mikala Tai, Tahmina Maskinyar, and Lindy Lee
- Thousands signed an open letter in February calling for reinstatement
- Creative Australia interim chair Wesley Enoch apologized on July 3, 2024 on ABC Radio National
Entities
Artists
- Khaled Sabsabi
- Michael Dagostino
- Lindy Lee
- Ethan Luk
Institutions
- Creative Australia
- Venice Biennale
- The Australian
- Blackhall & Pearl
- ABC Radio National
- ArtAsiaPacific
Locations
- Australia
- Venice
- Italy