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Observer
4 days ago
- General
- Observer
Oman Across Ages Museum wins award
MANAH: Oman Across Ages Museum in the Wilayat of Manah, Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, has won the 2025 International Chapter Award for Public Architecture. The award was conferred on the museum by the Australian Institute of Architects. The museum merited the award for its prominence in the segment of international projects. The award was announced at the Australian Pavilion at Osaka Expo 2025 in Japan. Oman Across Ages Museum had been designed by the "COX Architecture" Australian firm. This award caps the museum's success story as an architectural project that embodies environmental and cultural values, while at the same time maintaining the spirit of innovation in global architecture. The head of the jury that adjudicated the rankings said that the entries submitted this year highlighted diversity in terms of geographical, cultural and environmental challenges addressed by the winning designs. He explained that the winning designs responded to the aforementioned challenges through their high quality of materials, precision in detail and harmony with their physical entourage. — ONA
Courier-Mail
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Courier-Mail
Creative Australia apologise after Khaled Sabsabi reinstatement ahead of 2026 Venice Biennale
Don't miss out on the headlines from Entertainment. Followed categories will be added to My News. The head of Australia's arts funding body has backtracked and issued an apology to two artists who were sacked as representatives to the Venice Biennale, before being reinstated in a major backflip. Artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino were initially selected as the artistic team to represent the Australian Pavilion at the internationally-renowned 2026 arts festival held in Venice, Italy. But in February the pair were controversially dumped by Creative Australia after questions were raised in parliament about previous artworks by Mr Sabsabi. Michael Dagostino is the director of the Campbelltown Arts Centre. Picture: Supplied Khaled Sabsabi with his works at Mosman Art Gallery. Picture: Supplied Following a review released on Thursday that found 'a series of missteps, assumptions and missed opportunities' in the decision-making process the artist and curator were reinstated. Opposition arts spokeswoman Claire Chandler cited the artworks in parliament, and hours later the creative agency had backflipped on the pair's appointment. One of the works showed footage of the September 11 attacks spliced with a clip of George W. Bush saying 'thank you very much'. Another contained depictions of then-Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Creative Australia acting chairman Wesley Enoch has since apologised to Mr Sabsabi and Mr Dagostino for the 'hurt and pain that they've gone through in this process'. Wesley Enoch AM, Acting Chair of Creative Australia. Picture: Creative Australia He acknowledged the 'personal cost' that Mr Sabsabi and Mr Dagostino had paid in this saga. Mr Enoch reiterated the board had gone through a 'very rigorous process' which found reinstating the pair was 'the best option'. One former board member, sculptor Lindy Lee, quit the board at the time in protest of Mr Sabsabi and Dagostino's sacking. She told the ABC because of Mr Sabsabi's background his artwork was misinterpreted as supportive of Nasrallah. Coalition Arts spokesman Julian Leeser has been critical of the decision to reinstate Mr Sabsabi, telling RN Breakfast he thought Creative Australia had made 'the wrong decision' the reinstatement. Opposition arts spokesman Julian Leeser said he thought that Creative Australia had made 'the wrong decision'. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman 'The representative of Australia on the world stage should reflect our values and to reinstate this artist as our representative at the Biennale and to give them taxpayer funds I think flies in the face of those values,' he said. Mr Leeser did not make clear which values he thought Mr Sabsabi and Mr Dagostino did not represent, however he went on to reference the artists' works as having a 'history of presenting terrorist leaders'. He cited declining social cohesion as a reason that 'particularly at this time, this is the wrong person to be representing our country'. Mr Sabsabi has consistently maintained that his works do not promote terrorism – a view that was backed by Federal Arts Minister Tony Burke following the board's about-face. Arts Minister Tony Burke supported the pair's reinstatement. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman 'The report has shown that these works have not been regarded in any way, as promoting those involved with terrorism – the artist has made the same thing clear. 'If anything, the body of evidence says that these works are the exact opposite of something that could be seen to promote terrorism. 'Bearing that in mind, it makes complete sense that Creative Australia have recommissioned Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino. Their decision has my full support.' For their part, the artist-curator pair have accepted their reinstatement and said they will 'recommit ourselves fully to this project'. Originally published as Australia's arts council issues apology, backtracks after sacked artists reinstated as Venice Biennale reps
Sky News AU
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
Creative Australia apologise after Khaled Sabsabi reinstatement ahead of 2026 Venice Biennale
The head of Australia's arts funding body has backtracked and issued an apology to two artists who were sacked as representatives to the Venice Biennale, before being reinstated in a major backflip. Artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino were initially selected as the artistic team to represent the Australian Pavilion at the internationally-renowned 2026 arts festival held in Venice, Italy. But in February the pair were controversially dumped by Creative Australia after questions were raised in parliament about previous artworks by Mr Sabsabi. Following a review released on Thursday that found 'a series of missteps, assumptions and missed opportunities' in the decision-making process the artist and curator were reinstated. Opposition arts spokeswoman Claire Chandler cited the artworks in parliament, and hours later the creative agency had backflipped on the pair's appointment. One of the works showed footage of the September 11 attacks spliced with a clip of George W. Bush saying 'thank you very much'. Another contained depictions of then-Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Creative Australia acting chairman Wesley Enoch has since apologised to Mr Sabsabi and Mr Dagostino for the 'hurt and pain that they've gone through in this process'. He acknowledged the 'personal cost' that Mr Sabsabi and Mr Dagostino had paid in this saga. Mr Enoch reiterated the board had gone through a 'very rigorous process' which found reinstating the pair was 'the best option'. One former board member, sculptor Lindy Lee, quit the board at the time in protest of Mr Sabsabi and Dagostino's sacking. She told the ABC because of Mr Sabsabi's background his artwork was misinterpreted as supportive of Nasrallah. Coalition Arts spokesman Julian Leeser has been critical of the decision to reinstate Mr Sabsabi, telling RN Breakfast he thought Creative Australia had made 'the wrong decision' the reinstatement. 'The representative of Australia on the world stage should reflect our values and to reinstate this artist as our representative at the Biennale and to give them taxpayer funds I think flies in the face of those values,' he said. Mr Leeser did not make clear which values he thought Mr Sabsabi and Mr Dagostino did not represent, however he went on to reference the artists' works as having a 'history of presenting terrorist leaders'. He cited declining social cohesion as a reason that 'particularly at this time, this is the wrong person to be representing our country'. Mr Sabsabi has consistently maintained that his works do not promote terrorism – a view that was backed by Federal Arts Minister Tony Burke following the board's about-face. 'The report has shown that these works have not been regarded in any way, as promoting those involved with terrorism – the artist has made the same thing clear. Shock move after Aussie artists sacked 'If anything, the body of evidence says that these works are the exact opposite of something that could be seen to promote terrorism. 'Bearing that in mind, it makes complete sense that Creative Australia have recommissioned Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino. Their decision has my full support.' For their part, the artist-curator pair have accepted their reinstatement and said they will 'recommit ourselves fully to this project'. Originally published as Australia's arts council issues apology, backtracks after sacked artists reinstated as Venice Biennale reps
Perth Now
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Major backtrack as sacked artists rehired
The head of Australia's arts funding body has backtracked and issued an apology to two artists who were sacked as representatives to the Venice Biennale, before being reinstated in a major backflip. Artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino were initially selected as the artistic team to represent the Australian Pavilion at the internationally-renowned 2026 arts festival held in Venice, Italy. But in February the pair were controversially dumped by Creative Australia after questions were raised in parliament about previous artworks by Mr Sabsabi. Michael Dagostino is the director of the Campbelltown Arts Centre. Supplied Credit: Supplied Khaled Sabsabi with his works at Mosman Art Gallery. Supplied Credit: The Daily Telegraph Following a review released on Thursday that found 'a series of missteps, assumptions and missed opportunities' in the decision-making process the artist and curator were reinstated. Opposition arts spokeswoman Claire Chandler cited the artworks in parliament, and hours later the creative agency had backflipped on the pair's appointment. One of the works showed footage of the September 11 attacks spliced with a clip of George W. Bush saying 'thank you very much'. Another contained depictions of then-Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Creative Australia acting chairman Wesley Enoch has since apologised to Mr Sabsabi and Mr Dagostino for the 'hurt and pain that they've gone through in this process'. Wesley Enoch AM, Acting Chair of Creative Australia. Creative Australia Credit: Supplied He acknowledged the 'personal cost' that Mr Sabsabi and Mr Dagostino had paid in this saga. Mr Enoch reiterated the board had gone through a 'very rigorous process' which found reinstating the pair was 'the best option'. One former board member, sculptor Lindy Lee, quit the board at the time in protest of Mr Sabsabi and Dagostino's sacking. She told the ABC because of Mr Sabsabi's background his artwork was misinterpreted as supportive of Nasrallah. Coalition Arts spokesman Julian Leeser has been critical of the decision to reinstate Mr Sabsabi, telling RN Breakfast he thought Creative Australia had made 'the wrong decision' the reinstatement. Opposition arts spokesman Julian Leeser said he thought that Creative Australia had made 'the wrong decision'. NewsWire / Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia 'The representative of Australia on the world stage should reflect our values and to reinstate this artist as our representative at the Biennale and to give them taxpayer funds I think flies in the face of those values,' he said. Mr Leeser did not make clear which values he thought Mr Sabsabi and Mr Dagostino did not represent, however he went on to reference the artists' works as having a 'history of presenting terrorist leaders'. He cited declining social cohesion as a reason that 'particularly at this time, this is the wrong person to be representing our country'. Mr Sabsabi has consistently maintained that his works do not promote terrorism – a view that was backed by Federal Arts Minister Tony Burke following the board's about-face. Arts Minister Tony Burke supported the pair's reinstatement. NewsWire / Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia 'The report has shown that these works have not been regarded in any way, as promoting those involved with terrorism – the artist has made the same thing clear. 'If anything, the body of evidence says that these works are the exact opposite of something that could be seen to promote terrorism. 'Bearing that in mind, it makes complete sense that Creative Australia have recommissioned Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino. Their decision has my full support.' For their part, the artist-curator pair have accepted their reinstatement and said they will 'recommit ourselves fully to this project'.
Sky News AU
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
Australian artists Khaled Sabsabi, Michael Dagostino recommissioned for Venice Biennale after shock sacking
Australian artists Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino have been recommissioned by to represent the country at the 2026 Venice Biennale, following their controversial sacking. A review of the governance of Creative Australia, Australia's arts funding body, found there had been 'a series of missteps, assumptions and missed opportunities' in the decision-making process around their dismissal. Mr Sabsabi and Mr Dagostino were selected for as the artistic team for the Australian Pavilion at the prestigious 2026 Venice Biennale, an internationally-renowned art show. But in February, the pair were controversially removed from the art show after questions were raised over previous artworks by Mr Sabsabi. Two of them - one featuring Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and another video featuring footage of 9/11 and a clip of President George W. Bush saying 'thank you very much' - were attributed as the cause of the initial cancellation. Opposition arts spokeswoman Claire Chandler brought up the artworks in parliament at the time, and hours later the creative agency had backflipped on the pair's appointment. Acting Creative Australia Board Chair Wesley Enoch said the review was 'emphatic' in finding a 'unique set of circumstances' that the agency's board had to address. 'The Board has considered and reflected deeply on all relevant issues to find a path forward,' Mr Enoch said in a statement. 'The Board is now of the view that proceeding with the Artistic Team, Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino represents the preferred outcome.' 'The Board's decision reflects its commitment to the important principle of freedom of artistic expression, supported by a strong, transparent, and accountable governance framework. 'The decision the Board took in February has weighed heavily on many people, most particularly the artistic team and for that we are sorry. 'We want to be clear that the decision was not a reflection on the artistic team and their remarkable body of work.' The two artists released a joint statement on social media accepting the reinvitation. 'We accept this invitation and welcome the opportunity to represent our country on this prestigious international stage,' the statement read. 'This decision has renewed our confidence in Creative Australia and in the integrity of its selection process. 'It offers a sense of resolution and allows us to move forward with optimism and hope after a period of significant personal and collective hardship.' Mr Sabsabi and Mr Dagostino said that they extended their 'deepest and heartfelt thanks' to their supporters. Julian Leeser, the Coalition arts spokesman, condemned the decision as in opposition to Australian values. 'Australia's representation on the world stage should reflect our values,' Mr Leeser said. 'To reinstate an artist and give them taxpayer funds, after they have glorified the leaders of listed terrorist organisations, flies in the face of these values. 'This has been a deeply flawed process from the beginning and has now led to a ridiculous outcome. It diminishes the power of Australian art as a tool of soft diplomacy. 'Tony Burke has serious questions to answer about the credibility of his agency, Creative Australia, in the wake of this saga. 'Australia's arts sector should be a powerful tool to present Australia and its values to the world. 'When the government gives a wink and a nod to decisions like this, it sends a signal that undermines our laws, weakens social cohesion and risks dividing Australians at home, while damaging our reputation abroad.' South Australian Green Senator Sarah Hanson-Young welcomed the artists' reinstatement and called for the board to be held further accountable. 'The reinstatement of artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino as Australia's artistic team for the Venice Biennale is a win for freedom of artistic expression but it highlights just how much of a farce this whole situation has been,' Ms Hanson-Young said. 'It is clear that the leadership of Creative Australia needs a clean out in order to rebuild trust within the artistic community and the Australian public.' Originally published as Sacked Aussie artists Khaled Sabsabi, Michael Dagostino reinstated for Venice Biennale
