Australia's 2024 Venice Biennale winners demand reinstatement of dropped 2026 pavilion team

Archie Moore and curator Ellie Buttrose, who secured the Golden Lion for Australia’s pavilion at the 2024 Venice Biennale, have urged Creative Australia to restore artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino as the artistic team for 2026. In a statement released on 19 February 2025, they condemned the board's decision on 13 February to revoke contracts without a clear process. This action followed media scrutiny of Sabsabi's 2007 film You, which included a speech by former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. The board expressed worries that ongoing divisive discussions could harm public backing for Australian artists. Since then, notable resignations have taken place, including Mikala Tai and Simon Mordant. An open letter from shortlisted artists and curators has also backed Sabsabi and Dagostino. Moore and Buttrose contend that the timing of the board's actions appears politically motivated, undermining Creative Australia's selection integrity. They highlight that their own pavilion was chosen through a similar rigorous process that led to their Golden Lion success. The 61st Venice Biennale, curated by Koyo Kouoh, will commence in April 2026.