The CEO of Creative Australia, Adrian Collette, has addressed speculation that he and the chair of the organization’s board, Robert Morgan, have stepped down. Collette sent an email to staff, confirming that these rumors are untrue. The controversy emerged following their appearance at a senate estimates hearing, where calls for their resignations were made due to governance issues. A group of senior arts professionals has called for their dismissal, citing the withdrawal of Khaled Sabsabi’s contract to represent Australia at the 2026 Venice Biennale without proper opportunity for the artist to respond. Collette defended the decision, stating it was made to maintain social cohesion and avoid inciting divisive discussions, though admitting the potential financial cost and the possibility of an empty Australian Pavilion. The Green party has called for Collette and the board to resign, criticizing them for failing to perform due diligence. Despite Creative Australia’s move to drop Sabsabi, the artist has pledged to show his work at the Biennale regardless.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/feb/28/creative-australia-boss-adrian-collette-denies-resignation-khaled-sabsabi-dumping-venice-biennale-ntwnfb