Lebanese Australian Artist Dropped From International Event for Work Glorifying Hezbollah Leader

An artistic duo due to represent Australia at the Venice Biennale 2026 have been dropped after concerns were raised in parliament.

A demonstrator stands in the rain holding up a a picture of late Lebanese Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah during an anti-Israel protest in Tehran's Palestine Square, Iran, on Sept. 28, 2024. Atta Kenare/AFP via Getty Images

The Australian government’s principal arts investment and advisory body, Creative Australia, has announced the unanimous decision to drop the artistic duo Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino, previously selected to represent the nation at the 2026 Venice Biennale.

The Venice Biennale is a major international art exhibition showcasing creative endeavours from around the world.