One of Australia’s greatest artists speaks out against woke politics and pro-Palestinian activism

Archibald Prize winner Tim Storrier is one of Australia’s greatest living artists. He is speaking out about his concerns of woke politics hijacking the Australian arts scene.

Archibald Prize-winner Tim Storrier claims woke politics have hijacked the Australian arts scene while pro-Palestinian activism is allowing the “appalling beast of anti-Semitism” to emerge unchallenged.

One of this country’s greatest living artists – his work appears in major collections around the world – Mr Storrier says he is speaking out because Jewish and non-Jewish artists fear publicly commenting.

The 76-year-old told The Saturday Telegraph he believed galleries and funding bodies were dominated by diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) advocates whose rigid approach had “excluded” non-conforming artists.

“They’re quite open, for instance, about the fact that old, straight, white men – and I fit into that cadre – are not welcome,” he said.

Even more concerning for Mr Storrier is his suspicion that artists are being overlooked for exhibitions or funding if not openly “pro-Palestine” following the outbreak of Israel-Hamas hostilities in October 2023.

Artist Tim Storrier, pictured at his studio, is speaking out about the anti-Semitism that is rife in the arts world. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“We’ve seen a complete hijacking of the arts by woke politics,” he said. “Then the pro-Palestinian thing came out of left field and that’s a very delicate topic.

“But it’s not appropriate for happenings in the Middle East to drive our cultural institutions and our arts.

“I see this appalling beast of anti-Semitism sticking its head up. It’s disgusting and outrageous.

“I’m staggered when you consider the positive history of Jewish artists, sponsors, collectors and gallerists over decades in Australia.

“Unfortunately, in this environment, it seems the only thing some artists can do is keep their heads down.

“It also surprises me that people who select or fund some of the art that’s appearing these days can’t tell the difference between political propaganda and fine art.”

Sculptor Nina Sanadze says lots of Jewish artists are cancelling their shows because they don’t want to be on the radar. Picture: Louis Trerise

Mr Storrier, who is not Jewish, said arts ministers should be more involved.

“It seems their only real interest in the arts is to get a picture taken with Cate Blanchett,” he added.

Sculptor Nina Sanadze told The Jewish Independent in February: “The problem is a pattern of pressure from those in high-standing positions – artists, curators, academics – making a statement against genocide and forcing the Jewish creative community to either agree or lose their career or funding.

“You have to fit their ideals, which is a lot of pressure, particularly if you’re Jewish and you’re not loudly demonstrating that you are a ‘good Jew’.

“Lots of Jewish artists are cancelling their shows because they don’t want to be on the radar.”

Others are “being cancelled” says Jewish musician, film maker, and painter Anita Lester.

“October 7 was a devastating period and I said something publicly about how silent the creative community had been, a community that prides itself on standing up for human rights,” Ms Lester said.

“I was digitally lynched and for a show I had booked the venue had to hire three times the security. I haven’t booked or been booked for a gig since.

“I had a film in development. The funding fell through.

“I was publicly mocked, I was seriously doxed.”

Jewish musician, film maker, and painter Anita Lester says she ‘was digitally lynched’. Picture: Supplied

A non-Jewish immigrant artist told this masthead they had publicly defended an impacted Jewish artist and were now “totally being ignored by the art system in general”.

“I have received awards, used to get Creative Australia funding, was part of art prizes and suddenly I am only facing rejection,” they said.

“People like me, we left communist systems in China or Russia, or regimes in places like Iran and parts of Africa to come here for safety and freedom of speech.

“Now we are being shut out because we don’t express the same viewpoint as the dominant pro-Palestine, anti-Israel narrative that has been shaping the art world since October 7.

“There is this propaganda machine brainwashing a large part of the art world and not allowing anyone to express anything other than one ideology. It’s quite scary.

“I have no problem with people having a political point of view. But others shouldn’t be scared they’ll be disadvantaged for not falling into line.”

Creative Australia – an arts funding and advisory body for the federal government – was approached for an opinion on the Israel-Palestine issue.

A spokeswoman said the organisation “does not take a position on geopolitical” matters.

The art world has encountered other controversies in recent times.

Biennale of Sydney artistic director Hoor Al Qasimi. Picture: Dan Boud

Emirati royal Hoor Al Qasimi was appointed in May last year as artistic director for the 2026 Sydney Biennale – an international festival of contemporary art – sparking an outcry from Jewish leaders who claimed she is an anti-Israel activist.

The appointment of Ms Al Qasimi was announced by Sydney Biennale CEO Barbara Moore.

The two are well known to each other. Ms Al Qasimi is president of the International Biennale Association and Ms Moore is a vice-president.

Biennale of Sydney CEO Barbara Moore. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

Artist Khaled Sabsabi.

Artist Khaled Sabsabi, a board member of the Sydney Biennale, was part of the search committee for the artistic director.

He was also at the centre of a storm in February after being chosen by Creative Australia to represent Australia at the 2026 Venice Biennale.

Mr Sabsabi was dumped days later after a range of his early works hit the spotlight, including a 2006 video montage depicting imagery of the 9/11 attacks entitled Thank You Very Much.

The Saturday Telegraph sought comment from Ms Al Qasimi, Ms Moore and Mr Sabsabi.

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Originally published as One of Australia’s greatest artists speaks out against woke politics and pro-Palestinian activism