The Latest Breaking News from Khaled Sabsabi

The abrupt dumping of Khaled Sabsabi from the event prompted artist Lindy Lee to quit the board of Creative Australia

Despite the perceived outrage at Khaled Sabsabi’s depiction of Hassan Nasrallah in his 2007 work You, Australian art has long made subjects of outlaws and questionable figures. And it is all the richer for it.

Lee calls unanimous decision a ‘violation’ of principle of valuing an artist’s voice

Visual arts head Mikala Tai and program manager Tahmina Maskinyar resign in support of Lebanese-born artist

To be selected as the artist and curator team to represent Australia at the Venice Biennale is considered the ultimate exhibition for an artistic team. To have your selection rescinded, as has now happened to the 2026 team of Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino, is without precedent.

Constitutional expert warns referendum could be needed to change rules; Khaled Sabsabi axed to avoid ‘divisive debate’

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The artist and curator who were to represent Australia at the Venice Biennale say they are hurt and disappointed, after their selection was reversed.

Amid political pressure, Creative Australia says deselecting the Lebanese-born artist will avoid ‘divisive debate’