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khaled sabsabi reinstated for venice biennale

Creative Australia has reinstated Lebanese-born artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino as the representatives for Australia's pavilion at the 2026 Venice Biennale, following an independent review and months of public backlash. The pair were initially removed in February after a column in The Australian criticized Sabsabi's 2007 video installation "You," which includes manipulated footage of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, accusing the artist and curator of favoring boycotts of Israel. The abrupt removal prompted resignations from senior Creative Australia staff and board members, widespread condemnation from the art community, and an open letter from shortlisted pavilion candidates demanding reinstatement.

The art of politics: how global conflicts are playing out in this year's Venice Biennale

Israel is making a controversial return to the 2025 Venice Art Biennale after its pavilion was locked in 2024 with a note demanding a ceasefire in Gaza. The artist representing Israel, Belu-Simion Fainaru, will present his project "Rose of Nothingness" in the Arsenale, while Russia also returns to the Biennale after its Giardini pavilion was reassigned to Bolivia in 2024. The Art Not Genocide Alliance (ANGA) has renewed calls for a boycott and is organizing strike action to disrupt the event, accusing Israel of genocide.

creative australia khaled sabsabi grant venice controversy

Creative Australia has awarded Khaled Sabsabi a $100,000 grant under its Visual Arts, Craft and Design Framework, supporting a solo show at the Samstag Museum of Art in Adelaide in 2027. This comes after Sabsabi was controversially dropped as Australia’s Venice Biennale representative in February over past works, including one depicting Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and claims that he favored boycotts of Israel. Creative Australia cited an “unacceptable risk to public support,” but widespread backlash led to the departure of senior leaders and, in July, the reinstatement of Sabsabi and his curator Michael Dagostino.

khaled sabsabi reinstatement

Artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino have been reinstated to lead Australia’s pavilion at the 61st Venice Biennale, following an independent review of Creative Australia’s decision to drop them in February 2025. The initial removal came after right-wing politicians raised allegations of antisemitism against Sabsabi, whose work often addresses Islamophobia and Arab identity, particularly his 2007 video "You" featuring Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. The reversal follows resignations, boycotts, and widespread protests from the Australian arts community.