Khaled Sabsabi Reinstated as Venice Biennale Representative After Review

Khaled Sabsabi, alongside curator Michael Dagostino, has been reinstated as Australia’s representative at the 2026 Venice Biennale by Creative Australia following an independent review of their previous dismissal. This decision, made public on July 2, 2025, comes after the duo was initially removed from their roles due to controversial reactions to Sabsabi's past artworks, prompting a wave of criticism against Creative Australia’s board.

The reinstatement follows a review conducted by consulting firm Blackhall & Pearl, which assessed the circumstances surrounding the board’s decision to rescind Sabsabi and Dagostino's appointment. The review highlighted a series of missteps and missed opportunities within Creative Australia, although it concluded that there was no clear violation of governance or decision-making protocols. According to the review, the board's inability to adequately prepare for potential controversy significantly impacted its judgment.

This incident has raised broader questions regarding the integrity of the selection process for artists representing Australia on such a prestigious international stage. Sabsabi expressed a renewed sense of confidence in Creative Australia’s integrity, stating, "It offers a sense of resolution and allows us to move forward with optimism and hope after a period of significant personal and collective hardship."

The original decision to revoke their appointment was met with a backlash from various sectors of the artistic community, leading to petitions for their reinstatement signed by hundreds. Critics argued that the board’s actions not only undermined the artists involved but also jeopardized the artistic freedom that the Biennale represents.

The review's findings indicated that Creative Australia’s leadership faced challenges in balancing artistic merit with external pressures, leading to a flawed decision-making process. Creative Australia CEO Adrian Collette and board chair Robert Morgan had previously stated in a Senate inquiry that they had no intention of resigning amid the controversy, although Morgan announced his retirement later.

The inquiry emphasized the need for Creative Australia to rebuild trust within the creative community, which has been strained by the handling of this situation. The report suggested that a more thorough risk assessment and crisis management strategy could have prevented the series of errors that led to Sabsabi and Dagostino's initial dismissal.

As the reinstated representatives prepare for the upcoming Venice Biennale, their experience serves as a critical case study in the intersection of art and governance, highlighting the delicate balance required in the management of national artistic representation. The implications of this decision extend beyond the individual artists, touching upon the broader dynamics of artistic expression and the responsibilities of cultural institutions in Australia.

This case presents an opportunity for Creative Australia to reflect on its processes and foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for artists, ensuring that the integrity of artistic selection remains free from undue influence and controversy.