Australian Venice Biennale selection canceled over political pressure on artist Khaled Sabsabi

Khaled Sabsabi, an Australian-Lebanese artist, along with curator Michael Dagostino, was dismissed as Australia's representatives for the 61st Venice Biennale only five days after their announcement in February. The removal followed objections from Conservative MP Claire Chandler regarding Sabsabi's 2007 video You, which features former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and was labeled antisemitic. Under political pressure, Creative Australia reversed its decision. On February 25, CEO Adrian Collette and Chair Robert Morgan admitted they acted without legal advice. Sabsabi's 2006 video Thank You Very Much also drew criticism. The move has been labeled censorship, with widespread support for Sabsabi and Dagostino, while other shortlisted teams declined to take their place, potentially leaving the Australian Pavilion closed. Creative Australia will still compensate Sabsabi and Dagostino, who intend to showcase their project independently in Venice.