When the country’s peak arts body, Creative Australia, decided to dump Australia’s representative at the Venice Biennale, it set in motion an existential crisis for the arts. 

The artist in question, Khaled Sabsabi, was removed from the role just days after his appointment – following an article in a News Corp newspaper, a set of opposition questions in the Senate and a phone call from the Arts Minister Tony Burke. 

Now, the boss of Creative Australia faces questions about why he decided to drop Sabasabi – and whether there was ministerial interference.

Today, chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Barlow, on the controversy at Creative Australia, and what it means for artistic freedom.

 

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Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Karen Barlow

Photo: Creative Australia

When the country&rsquo;s peak arts body, Creative Australia, decided to dump Australia&rsquo;s representative at the Venice Biennale, it set in motion an existential crisis for the arts.&nbsp;
The artist in question, Khaled Sabsabi, was removed from the role just days after his appointment &ndash; following an article in a News Corp newspaper, a set of opposition questions in the Senate and a phone call from the Arts Minister Tony Burke.&nbsp;
Now, the boss of Creative Australia faces questions about why he decided to drop Sabasabi &ndash; and whether there was ministerial interference.
Today, chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Barlow, on the controversy at Creative Australia, and what it means for artistic freedom.
&nbsp;
Socials: Stay in touch with us on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/7ampodcast">Instagram</a>
Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Karen Barlow
Photo:&nbsp;Creative Australia

An independent daily news show. We feature the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

An independent daily news show. We feature the country&rsquo;s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

A daily news show from the publisher of The Monthly and The Saturday Paper.

A daily news show from the publisher of The Monthly and The Saturday Paper. Hear from the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

A phone call from Tony Burke and the sacking of Venice Biennale artist Khaled Sabsabi

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/376aebc6-65ef-4e8c-8e91-b29000601c58/transcript

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