The Latest Breaking News from Khaled Sabsabi

Protests against the dumping of Australia's art team for the Venice Biennale continue, with hundreds of artists and curators demanding government action.

When the invitation for artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino to represent Australia at the 2026 Venice Biennale was rescinded, the statement from Creative Australia’s board said their selection now posed “an unacceptable risk” and “could undermine our goal of bringing Australians together”.

Within public debate around free speech and its limits there has long been a view that artistic expression deserves especially rigorous protection. This is because it is a medium of indirect communication, open to multiple interpretations. There is a long tradition of art being used to critique society and politics.

The artist and curator dumped from their Venice Biennale commission have called for Creative Australia to explain and apologise, as their supporters rally.

Artist and curator Michael Dagostino break silence following Creative Australia decision to withdraw them as representatives

The agency has been fending off claims of political interference and censorship since it rescinded the selection of Western Sydney artist Khaled Sabsabi earlier this month.

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has called for Creative Australia's chief executive to resign, over the decision to ditch the Venice Biennale team.

Adrian Collette admits decision to drop Khaled Sabsabi risks having nothing on show but he and chair won’t quit

In this adapted extract from What’s the Big Idea? Louise Adler looks at the failure of Australian cultural leaders shying from risk and artistic vision – and letting the tail wag the dog