Afternoon Update: more backlash over Biennale artist axing; NZ tourism campaign ridiculed; and what it’s like living with OCD

Lebanese-Australian artist Khaled Sabsabi was dumped as the nation’s representative for the 2026 Venice Biennale amid media and political criticism of some of his historical artworks. Photograph: Bec Lorrimer/The Guardian

An independent panel who advised Creative Australia on the selection of Khaled Sabsabi for the 61st Venice Biennale say they are “deeply concerned” by the abrupt decision to rescind his appointment. The artist Lindy Lee quit the board after what she called a “fraught and heartbreaking” meeting to make the decision.

Creative Australia has announced it will commission an “immediate independent external” review into the “artistic selection process”. A petition with almost 3,000 signatories has called for the reinstatement of the Lebanese-Australian artist and his artistic partner, the curator Michael Dagostino.