Creative Australia reinstates Venice Biennale nomineesCEFR A2
23 Jul 2025
Adapted from Kevin Rennie, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Cristine Enero, Unsplash
Creative Australia has changed its earlier decision and reinstated artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino as Australia’s nominees for the 2026 Venice Biennale. The two were first chosen in February 2025, but the board revoked their appointment only days later. On July 2, 2025, the Guardian reported that Creative Australia had reinstated them after an independent review.
The cancellation had 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 featured a video of the 9/11 attacks and President George W. Bush. The review found mistakes in the board’s original process.
Many people reacted strongly. Supporters called the reversal a win for freedom of expression, and some staff left the organisation in protest.
Difficult words
- reinstate — To give someone their job or position againreinstated
- revoke — To take away a decision or permissionrevoked
- curator — A person who chooses art for exhibitions
- appointment — An official choice of a person for a job
- footage — Film or video of a real event
- review — A careful check of actions or decisionsindependent review
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think art should show difficult or violent events? Why or why not?
- Would you support a decision to reinstate an artist after an independent review? Why?
- Have you ever seen a controversial artwork? How did it make you feel?
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