Creative Australia, the Australian federal government's arts funding body, has withdrawn support for artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino, who were recently selected to represent Australia at the 2026 Venice Biennale.

The decision, announced on February 13, 2025, was made unanimously by Creative Australia's board due to concerns over potential divisive debates surrounding the selection.

Criticism arose from various quarters, including Liberal Senator Claire Chandler, who questioned the appropriateness of funding an artist whose work features a terrorist leader.

Sabsabi, who migrated to Australia from Lebanon during the civil war, expressed surprise at the cancellation, believing his identity would hinder his selection.

Known for his provocative art, Sabsabi has previously critiqued Islamic State and faced backlash for withdrawing from a festival linked to the Israeli embassy.

The controversy intensified following revelations about Sabsabi's past works, including a video installation depicting former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

His artwork is included in prominent collections, demonstrating his influence in the art world despite the backlash.

In light of the controversy, Creative Australia plans to review its selection process for future Biennale appointments to prevent similar issues.

The decision has sparked strong support for Sabsabi from fellow artists, who argue that it undermines artistic independence and freedom of expression.

The Venice Biennale is considered the Olympics of the contemporary art world, making the selection process particularly significant.

This incident reflects a politically charged environment in Australia, with ongoing criticism of the government's response to antisemitism.

Sabsabi's work aims to challenge stereotypes and perceptions related to Muslims and Arabs, highlighting the importance of representation in the arts.