‘Wrong person': Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino reinstated to represent at art show following dismissal for 'controversial' work
The pair were dumped as the nation's artists in February just five days after being selected to represent, after Mr Sabsabi's previous works resurfaced, including a depiction of former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and a video of 9/11 featuring President George W. Bush saying, 'thank you very much.'
The decision to restore the artists came after Creative Australia, the nation's official arts council, found 'a series of missteps, assumptions and missed opportunities,' had contributed to the decision to drop them from the art show in February.
Appearing on ABC RN on Thursday morning, Mr Enoch said the artists suffered an immense amount of 'hurt and pain' from the sacking.
'To Khaled and Michael – I've done it in person but to say it here very publicly – I want to apologise to them for the hurt and pain they've gone through in this process,' he said.
'Though we will be stronger as a sector because of it, I know it's come at a personal cost, not just to them, but also to a whole range of people in the arts sector.'
Mr Sabsabi, a Lebanese Australian artist, and Mr Dagostino shared their 'deepest and heartfelt thanks' for the decision.
'This decision has renewed our confidence in Creative Australia and in the integrity of its selection process,' they said.
Arts Minister Tony Burke backed the decision to restore the sacked artists, and said evidence showed the art did the 'exact opposite of something that could be seen to promote terrorism.'
'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,' he said.
'It makes complete sense that Creative Australia have recommissioned Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino. Their decision has my full support.'
Appearing on ABC RN on Thursday morning, shadow arts minister Julian Leeser slammed the decision, and said Mr Sabsabi was the 'wrong person' to be representing Australia.
'When an artist has a history of presenting terrorist leaders like Hassan Nasrallah… I think particularly at this time this is the wrong person to be representing our country,' he said.
'Particularly given the tensions in Australia and the declining level of social cohesion and the anti-Semitism crisis that we've faced in this country.'
Mr Leeser said the arts minister has some 'serious questions' to answer regarding Creative Australia's credibility.
'This has been a deeply flawed process from the beginning and has now led to a ridiculous outcome,' he said.
'It diminished the power of Australian art as a tool of soft diplomacy.'
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