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Khaled Sabsabi reinstated to represent Australia at the 2026 Venice Biennale
Khaled Sabsabi reinstated to represent Australia at the 2026 Venice Biennale
Renowned Lebanese Australian artist Khaled Sabsabi has been reinstated as Australia's representative at the 2026 Venice Biennale, almost six months after he was dumped by the board of Australia's arts funding body, Creative Australia.
In February, Sabsabi's commission for the prestigious art event was announced but, less than a week later, he — and curator Michael Dagostino — had their invitation rescinded, with Creative Australia's board citing fears of a "prolonged and divisive debate".
After months of outcry and several prominent resignations from Creative Australia, the decision has now been reversed, as the arts funding body releases an external report into the governance, decision-making and risk-management process behind the selection.
"This decision has renewed our confidence in Creative Australia and in the integrity of its selection process," Sabsabi and Dagostino said in a statement on Wednesday.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-02/khaled-sabsabi-venice-biennale-reinstated/105487220
Image via ABC News: Lebanese Australian artist Khaled Sabsabi will represent Australia at the 61st Venice Biennale in 2026.
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