Industry figures are concerned that Creative Australia could face increased pressure to make “safe” artistic choices after the Sabsabi review, with critics warning that a corporate-style risk framework could stifle creativity and marginalise divergent voices.
The fallout over Creative Australia’s decision to rescind Khaled Sabsabi’s commission as the 2026 Venice Biennale representative and subsequent mea culpa has sent shock waves through the arts sector, with some now calling for structural reform and a renewed commitment to artistic independence.
