Inventive Australia introduced right this moment that Robert Morgan, its chair since 2021, will retire from his position—over a yr earlier than his time period was because of 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 crew.
The pair had been named to the Venice crew on 7 February by Inventive Australia. Nonetheless, after an article in The Australian implied that two of the artist’s early works might be learn as glorifying terrorism, they had been dropped by the humanities physique on 13 February, in a gathering chaired by Morgan.
Inventive Australia’s chief govt Adrian Collette mentioned 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 Inventive Australia was full. This course of, which established Inventive Australia because the nation’s new funding and advisory physique, is now full.
Nonetheless, the timing of the choice has drawn consideration, as Morgan and Collette have been beneath intense stress 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, mentioned in a press release that Morgan’s departure from Inventive Australia was “a welcome alternative to open a pathway in direction of reinstatement” of the artist and Dagostino as Australia’s crew for Venice in 2026.
“Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino stand prepared to meet their contract to symbolize Australia at Venice in 2026 and can be glad to work beneath new management,” Milani’s assertion mentioned. “Moreover, it could assist Khaled Sabsabi get better from the continuing injury being achieved to his fame, well being and livelihood.”
Sabsabi has emphatically denied accusations levelled in opposition to him, and has mentioned he rejects all types of racism and hate. He mentioned 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 state of affairs, 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 because of open on 8 Might, however was delayed following the Venice controversy. It’ll now open on 29 Might.
The college mentioned in a press release that it carried out consultations with Monash college students and group “to make sure the exhibition proceeds within the method and spirit initially curated by Stolon Press”.
Robert Morgan was approached for remark.
