The ASA is deeply concerned by the recent decision made by the Creative Australia Board to overturn the selection of the artistic team for the 2026 Venice Biennale, curator Michael Dagostino and artist Khaled Sabsabi. The artistic team was announced on 7 February and, following complaints about the political subject matter of Sabsabi’s past work, the Board convened a meeting at which it decided not to proceed with the selection.

We share members’ and the broader arts community’s grave concerns about this capitulation and the upending of Creative Australia’s independent selection panel process. No matter where one stands on the political spectrum, this decision sets an alarming precedent to rescind opportunities for creators on the basis of complaints about their political ideas and expressions.

Freedom of expression is a fundamental right. It is through artistic expression that we understand ourselves and our stories, build empathy, and critically reflect on our society. The work of artists, writers, and illustrators should be valued and treated with respect. 

The creative community counts on Creative Australia to be a courageous champion of Australia’s creators and a defender against artistic censorship. We’ve heard from members that this decision by the Creative Australia Board has left them feeling both fearful and outraged. It has chilling implications for all creators, particularly those relying on government appointments or funding.

The ASA will write to the board of Creative Australia about this decision, calling for a firm commitment to freedom of expression, protection of creators against external interference, and a reinstatement of the artistic team should they wish to be reinstated.

Disclosure: The ASA is a recipient of funding from Creative Australia via its delivery partner stream.