Controversy and Postponement of Major Arts Event
Creative Australia, the federal funding body, has decided to postpone the announcement of the winners for the 2025 Asia Pacific Arts Awards amid ongoing controversy regarding its decision to rescind the invitation to artists Michael Dagostino and Khaled Sabsabi for the Venice Biennale. The awards ceremony, which was set to take place on March 3 at Arts Centre Melbourne, was postponed after the agency informed the 30 finalists about the change. Creative Australia stated the decision was made to support the well-being of all involved, emphasizing the need for a pause during this period of heightened scrutiny.
Venice Biennale Controversy and Political Pressure
The decision to rescind the invitation to Sabsabi and Dagostino came after early works by Khaled Sabsabi were questioned in Australian parliament. The artworks in question, which included imagery of the 9/11 attacks and late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, sparked intense debate. These works, dating back almost two decades, were raised during parliamentary question time on February 13, leading to immediate actions by Creative Australia.
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In response, the Creative Australia board held an emergency meeting that evening and by 9:30 pm, announced that they would no longer support the inclusion of Sabsabi and Dagostino in the 2026 Venice Biennale. This decision came directly after a conversation between arts minister Tony Burke and Creative Australia CEO Adrian Collette, though Burke has denied any political interference in the matter.
Call for Reinstatement from Arts Community
The sudden reversal of Creative Australia’s decision has led to significant backlash within the Australian art community. Notable artists and former Biennale representatives, including Tracey Moffatt, have called for the reinstatement of Sabsabi and Dagostino. Moffatt, in particular, has strongly criticized the decision, suggesting that the board failed to defend the artists against “uninformed comments” regarding the controversial nature of Sabsabi’s early works.
Further support for Sabsabi and Dagostino’s reinstatement came in the form of an open letter signed by 14 curators with past involvement in Australia’s representation at the Venice Biennale. The letter expressed their astonishment at the lack of defense for the artists, pointing out that the artworks in question were being criticized by individuals who had never seen them.
Support from Renowned Artists
In addition to curators, a group of prominent Australian artists—some of whom have previously represented the country at the Biennale—issued their own open letter demanding the reinstatement of the artists. This group includes big names such as Mike Parr, Imants Tillers, Patricia Piccinini, Ricky Swallow, Shaun Gladwell, Callum Morton, and Tracey Moffatt. The support from such respected figures within the art world has added further pressure on Creative Australia to reconsider its position.
The Political and Cultural Implications
The controversy surrounding the selection for the Venice Biennale has highlighted the intersection of politics and art, raising questions about the role of government influence in shaping the country’s cultural representation. The debate over Khaled Sabsabi’s artwork, particularly in relation to the depiction of sensitive political subjects, has stirred significant discussions about freedom of expression, cultural sensitivities, and the responsibility of public institutions.
As Creative Australia faces ongoing scrutiny, the outcome of the Senate estimates hearing on Tuesday night, where CEO Adrian Collette is expected to address the issue, could play a pivotal role in determining whether Sabsabi and Dagostino are reinstated for the 2026 Venice Biennale or if the decision stands.
Conclusion: Ongoing Debate and Uncertainty
The postponement of the 2025 Asia Pacific Arts Awards comes at a time when the Australian arts community remains deeply divided over the actions of Creative Australia regarding the Venice Biennale selection. The backlash from curators, artists, and the broader public underscores the contentious nature of the decision. As the debate continues, the future of the artists involved—and the role of Creative Australia in promoting freedom of artistic expression—remains uncertain.
