AMaGA is keen to acknowledge the positive work Creative Australia have been doing for the arts community since the launch of the National Cultural Policy - Revive. We have particularly welcomed the establishment of Creative Workplaces and the Federal Government's commitment to revisit the foundational sector document Significance 2.0.
In relation to Creative Australia's decision to rescind its invitation to artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino to represent Australia at the 2026 Venice Biennale, we express our concern via the following statement:
The Australian Museums and Galleries Association (AMaGA) is extremely concerned by Creative Australia's decision to rescind their invitation to artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino to represent Australia at the 2026 Venice Biennale.
As the national advocacy body representing Australia's public museums and galleries, we affirm our commitment to supporting creative freedom and providing platforms for diverse voices and perspectives. Our cultural institutions play a vital role in fostering dialogue, understanding and critical engagement with contemporary issues through artistic expression.
We recognise that art has the power to challenge, provoke discussion and contribute to important social discourse. The right of artists to express their views through their creative practice is fundamental to a democratic society and must be protected.
AMaGA supports our member institutions in their mission to be safe spaces for complex conversations and diverse viewpoints. We remain committed to upholding the principles of artistic freedom, cultural democracy and the right to creative expression.
We call on Creative Australia to reverse this decision and urge all stakeholders in the cultural sector to defend these essential freedoms, and to ensure that expert independent selection processes are upheld and respected.
AMaGA National Council, 17 February 2025