The Latest Breaking News from Venice Biennale

Venice team reversal was racist, art awards judge says

The revocation of Australia's Venice Biennale team was racist, writer and judge of the postponed Asia Pacific Arts Awards Jinghua Qian says.

AAP · Feb 28, 2025

Venice Biennale team wants apology as supporters rally

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

AAP · Feb 27, 2025

Khaled Sabsabi pledges to show Venice Biennale work despite Creative Australia decision to drop him

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

The Guardian - AU · Feb 26, 2025

‘This could have all been avoided’: how Creative Australia allowed itself to be blind-sided over its Venice Biennale pick

High-profile artists and curators stunned by Creative Australia’s swift abandonment of Khaled Sabsabi, the art community, and the complex nature of art itself

The Guardian - AU · Feb 21, 2025

Creative Australia says it won’t reinstate artist Khaled Sabsabi for Venice Biennale at tense all-staff meeting

Exclusive: The western Sydney artist was dropped from representing Australia just days after being selected

The Guardian - AU · Feb 20, 2025

Venice biennale winners 'appalled' at artist dumping

Australia's winners of the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale have added their voices to calls to reinstate the nation's 2026 artistic team.

AAP · Feb 20, 2025

‘No artist’ will want to represent Australia at Venice Biennale after Sabsabi dumped, former museum head says

Elizabeth Ann Macgregor says Tony Burke has questions to answer after Khaled Sabsabi’s offer was rescinded but the arts minister has denied involvement

The Guardian - AU · Feb 18, 2025

Minister made phone call before Venice pick reversal

The arts minister spoke to the chief of Creative Australia after questions were asked in parliament about the artist chosen to go to the Venice Biennale.

AAP · Feb 17, 2025

Tony Burke says he called Creative Australia chief executive before board meeting when Biennale selection rescinded

Arts minister – who has denied political interference – says chief executive told him the board would meet to discuss Khaled Sabsabi’s selection

The Guardian - AU · Feb 17, 2025

Creative Australia Facing Backlash & Inquiry Demands As Venice Biennale Furore Deepens

“To award the submission to two of Australia’s great creative minds, only to revoke it six days later after political interference sets a dangerous precedent."

Pedestrian.tv · Feb 17, 2025