‘We remain committed’: Dumped artistic duo determined to present at Venice Biennale

The artistic duo selected then dumped from the 2026 Venice Biennale by Creative Australia have called for an explanation and public apology from the agency and have indicated they will take themselves to the event as Australia’s de facto representatives.

In a statement issued 24 hours after their contract was officially cancelled, artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino said the decision to revoke their invitation undermined artistic freedom of expression and the integrity of a selection process that was required to be at arm’s length from government.

Artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino were dropped as Australia’s representatives at the 2026 Venice Biennale.Credit: Steven Siewert

“This experience has been personally and professionally distressing, as we were selected through a rigorous process and had already begun meaningful work on this important project,” they said.

The Venice Biennale is the biggest and most prestigious art show in the world. Sabsabi and Dagostino had been appointed Australia’s 2026 representatives with hopes high following Archie Moore’s Golden Lion win in 2024.

That invitation was rescinded days later, hours after the Coalition raised questions in parliament about two historical works by the Lebanese-born Sabsabi, including a 2006 video artwork, Thank You Very Much, featuring images of the 9/11 attacks on the United States.

Creative Australia CEO Adrian Collette and chair Robert Morgan fronted Senate estimates on Tuesday night to suggest the snap decision by the board was made to avoid triggering divisive narratives and threats to social cohesion.

Sabsabi and Dagostino said the agency must “publicly answer how they came to this conclusion” when multiple experts asserted the works were against ideology and ambiguous.

“We also ask for a public apology to ourselves and those directly affected by this decision as well as the art sector,” they said.

“We request the Creative Australia board acknowledges the lack of respect and care it had for our appointment.

“We remain committed to presenting this work in Venice and ensuring that the voices and ideas behind it are not silenced. In the coming weeks, we will share more information on how people can contribute to and participate in this important exhibition.”

Creative Australia chair Robert Morgan and Creative Australia CEO Adrian Collette during a Senate estimates hearing.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

A private show could take its cues from Indigenous artist Richard Bell who, in 2019, wrapped a replica of the Australian Pavilion in chains, put it on a barge, and sailed it through the Venetian lagoon in protest against the selection process.

Although Sabsabi will have greater creative freedom, the budget may be more limited, and he would not be eligible for the Golden Lion prize.

Collette told Senate estimates the agency might not be able to fill the Australian Pavilion with a replacement candidate, however, he and Morgan said they would not step down and offered no apology.

Sabsabi and Dagostino said they were grateful for the support of the sector, supporters and family during “this difficult time”.

“The advocacy and commitment to artistic freedom reminds us of the capacity of the sector and why it is so vital,” the said.

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