Artistic Australia introduced right this moment that Robert Morgan, its chair since 2021, will retire from his position—over a 12 months earlier than his time period was attributable to run out. Morgan, an promoting govt, was a central determine within the saga surrounding the appointment—and shortly afterwards, removing—of artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino from Australia’s 2026 Venice Biennale workforce.
The pair had been named to the Venice workforce on 7 February by Artistic Australia. Nevertheless, after an article in The Australian implied that two of the artist’s early works may very well be learn as glorifying terrorism, they had been dropped by the humanities physique on 13 February, in a gathering chaired by Morgan.
Artistic Australia’s chief govt Adrian Collette stated that Morgan’s early departure was unrelated to occasions surrounding the biennale, and that Morgan had signalled his intention to stay solely till the Australia Council’s structural transition to Artistic Australia was full. This course of, which established Artistic Australia because the nation’s new funding and advisory physique, is now full.
Nevertheless, the timing of the choice has drawn consideration, as Morgan and Collette have been beneath intense strain since sacking Sabsabi, with many senior arts and philanthropy leaders popping out in help of the artist and his work.
Sabsabi’s longtime Brisbane gallerist, Josh Milani, stated in a press release that Morgan’s departure from Artistic Australia was “a welcome alternative to open a pathway in the direction of reinstatement” of the artist and Dagostino as Australia’s workforce for Venice in 2026.
“Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino stand prepared to satisfy their contract to characterize Australia at Venice in 2026 and can be completely satisfied to work beneath new management,” Milani’s assertion stated. “Moreover, it might assist Khaled Sabsabi recuperate from the continued harm being executed to his fame, well being and livelihood.”
Sabsabi has emphatically denied accusations levelled towards him, and has stated he rejects all types of racism and hate. He stated in a press release: “Michael [Dagostino] and I stay dedicated to representing Australia on the world stage with integrity and objective.”
In additional information referring to the fraught scenario, Australia’s Monash College Museum of Artwork has introduced {that a} beforehand postponed group exhibition that includes works by Sabsabi will now go forward. The exhibition, titled Stolon Press: Flat earth, was attributable to open on 8 Might, however was delayed following the Venice controversy. It’ll now open on 29 Might.
The college stated in a press release that it carried out consultations with Monash college students and neighborhood “to make sure the exhibition proceeds within the method and spirit initially curated by Stolon Press”.
Robert Morgan was approached for remark.
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