We know that our political climate has been particularly febrile lately in the climate of the Gaza conflict.

So was it political pressure that led an Australian federal arts body to pull an accomplished artist from appearing at the so-called Oscars of the art world? 

Today, senior culture writer Kerrie O’Brien, on Khaled Sabsabi. And whether it was his art, or stance on the Middle East, which has led to his shock dismissal.

For more:

• Major gallery says Venice row endangers Australia’s global reputation, Linda Morris and Kerrie O'Brien, The Age and Sydney Morning Herald.

Audio credit:

• Khaled Sabsabi & Tim Gregory - Interview excerpts from Resilient Landscape Documentary, Michael Pansini.
• Khaled Sabsabi: Creative Australia Award for Visual Arts | Arts Week,ABC Arts
• Australian artist Khaled Sabsabi pulled from global exhibit, ABC 7.30, Sarah Ferguson
• Who Was Hassan Nasrallah, Leader of Hezbollah? New York Times
• Changing Australia: Ben Quilty on fighting for the future of Australia's artists, Radio National, ABC