Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino, artists who were initially selected to represent Australia at the 2026 Venice Biennale, have announced their intention to exhibit their work despite the official cancellation of their participation. This decision follows a significant wave of support from the Australian art community, which condemned the Albanese government’s intervention that led to the withdrawal of Creative Australia’s support for their planned exhibition. The government’s rationale for the withdrawal involved concerns about “governance” and a lack of information provided to the Arts Minister Tony Burke.
However, critics view this intervention as politically motivated, suggesting it stems from discomfort with Sabsabi’s art, which often addresses social and political issues including the plight of Palestinians. The initial announcement of Sabsabi and Dagostino as representatives was met with excitement and seen as a progressive step for Australian art, with the planned exhibition focusing on themes of displacement, resilience, and cultural exchange.
Following the withdrawal of funding, the artistic community rallied around Sabsabi and Dagostino, expressing outrage and pledging support to enable them to showcase their work independently. The artists, emboldened by this solidarity, have committed to finding a way to exhibit at the 2026 Biennale, ensuring their voices and artistic vision are not silenced. They are actively seeking alternative funding and logistical support to make this happen.
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