Statement of Support for Artist Khaled Sabsabi and Curator, Michael Dagostino

Khaled Sabsabi with Michael Dagostino in Granville. Photo Anna Kucera

Museums & Galleries of NSW is deeply concerned by Creative Australia’s decision to rescind the artistic team of Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino who were chosen to lead Australia’s representation at the 2026 Venice Biennale.

Our organisation supports the statement released on Friday, 14th February, by the five shortlisted artistic teams and urges for the reinstatement of the artistic team of Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino.

To the Board of Creative Australia @creative.australia As the shortlisted artists and curators for the Australian Pavillion at the 2026 Venice Biennale, we are writing in support of the winning team; Khaled Sabsabi (artist) @peacefender and Michael Dagostino (curator), selected by industry led experts through a rigorous and professionally independent open-call process. This approach has led to the current selection of Venice Biennale representatives from Australia with the artistic vision and courage that has become respected internationally. Archie Moore and Ellie Buttrose were selected through the same rigorous process which resulted in them winning the Golden Lion at Venice Biennale 2024. This demonstrates the value of contemporary Australian artists internationally, and the distinctive role our creative representatives have on the world stage. We believe that revoking support for the current Australian artist and curator representatives for Venice Biennale 2026 is antithetical to the goodwill and hard-fought artistic independence, freedom of speech and moral courage that is at the core of arts in Australia, which plays a crucial role in our thriving and democratic nation. We ask that the independent and industry informed selection of Khaled Sabsabi (artist) and Michael Dagostino (curator) be reinstated in time for the 61st Venice Biennale. The shortlisted projects: • Dhopiya Yunupiŋu (1950 – 2024, artist) with Tony Albert and Sally Brand • Hayley Millar Baker (artist) with Erin Vink • James Nguyen (artist) with Anna Davis • Jenna Mayilema Lee (artist) with Tina Baum • Mel O’Callaghan (artist) with Tamsin Hong

Photo: Khaled Sabsabi with Michael Dagostino in Granville. Photo Anna Kucera

Visual arts
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