Creative Australia reinstates Venice Biennale nominees ^{CEFR B2}

Creative Australia has reinstated Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino as Australia’s nominees for the 2026 Venice Biennale, reversing an earlier board decision that had removed them days after their February 2025 selection. The reinstatement followed public debate, a Senate committee hearing and an independent external review; the Guardian reported the return on July 2, 2025.

The initial cancellation focused on two of Sabsabi’s earlier works: YOU (2007), which included footage of then‑Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and Thank You Very Much (2006), which included a video of the 9/11 attacks and President George W. Bush. A review by consultancy firm Blackhall & Pearl said the board’s original processes contained "a series of missteps, assumptions and missed opportunities."

Reactions have been pronounced and varied. Supporters called the reversal a victory for freedom of expression. Alison Croggon, writing in Meanjin Quarterly, argued that tearing up the contract betrayed Creative Australia’s purpose and likened the act to McCarthy‑era blacklisting. Artist Lindy Lee resigned from the Creative Australia board and some staff left in protest. Federal Arts Minister Tony Burke was accused of influencing the February decision but denied exerting political pressure at a February press conference.

Other fallout continued: in June the board chair Robert Morgan retired more than a year early, while CEO Adrian Collette remained in post despite criticism and continued calls for his resignation after the backdown. Samuel Cairnduff of the University of Melbourne said the reinstatement "is not just a symbolic correction. It is a test," asking whether Creative Australia can rebuild trust and whether future risk processes will support or suppress bold programming.