Michael Dagostino
Michael Dagostino is a curator known for his innovative approach to contemporary art. He was recently in the news when the federal government’s arts funding body, Creative Australia, decided to withdraw his selection to represent Australia alongside artist Khaled Sabsabi at the upcoming Venice Biennale due to concerns over Sabsabi's earlier controversial works.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Michael Dagostino was the curator selected alongside Khaled Sabsabi to represent Australia at the Venice Biennale.
Arts boss Adrian Collette says Creative Australia is ‘not about moral compass’
Australia· 2026-02-11
Michael Dagostino was also appointed to represent Australia at the 2026 Venice Biennale alongside Khaled Sabsabi.
Creative Australia backflip exposes weakness in arts funding bodyAustralia· 2025-07-04
Michael Dagostino is part of the artistic team that represents the preferred outcome for the board.
Sacked artist Khaled Sabsabi to be reinstated as Australia’s Venice representativeAustralia· 2025-07-02
Michael Dagostino is an artist named as one of Australia's representatives for the Venice Biennale.
David Gonski at AGNSW and MOD. Dining on the gift of philanthropyAustralia· 2025-05-06
Michael Dagostino is the director of the Chau Chak Wing Museum who commented on the significance of the spears.
Gweagal spears, taken by James Cook and now repatriated, will be shown at Chau Chak Wing MuseumAustralia· 2025-04-04
Artist Khaled Sabsabi, right, with curator Michael Dagostino.
Khaled Sabsabi breaks silence on cancellation, says he does not support terrorismAustralia· 2025-04-01Michael Dagostino was the curator for the exhibition that was postponed at the Venice Biennale.
Dumped Venice Biennale entrant has ‘Flat Earth’ MUMA exhibit postponedAustralia· 2025-03-26
Michael Dagostino is a curator who, along with Khaled Sabsabi, has not received payment from Creative Australia.
Creative Australia yet to pay out sacked Venice Biennale artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael DagostinoAustralia· 2025-03-06
Michael Dagostino is an artistic duo whose appointment was rescinded as representatives for the 2026 Venice Biennale.
Creative Australia Sydney office protest over Khaled Sabsadi, Michael Dagostino dumpingAustralia· 2025-02-27
Artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino were dropped as Australia’s representatives at the 2026 Venice Biennale.
Dumped artistic duo determined to present at Venice BiennaleAustralia· 2025-02-26
Michael Dagostino is a curator who was also dropped as Australia’s entrant to the 2026 Venice Biennale.
Backlash against Creative Australia grows over decision to dump Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino from Venice BiennaleAustralia· 2025-02-23
Michael Dagostino is the curator who was sacked alongside Khaled Sabsabi from the Venice Biennale.
Artists who represented Australia at Venice Biennale call for Khaled Sabsabi to be reinstated | Australian art
United Kingdom· 2025-02-22
Michael Dagostino was also affected by the decision to rescind appointments for the Venice Biennale.
National Gallery of Australia says it covered Palestinian flags on tapestry after security assessment | Australia newsUnited Kingdom· 2025-02-21
Michael Dagostino was also removed from the 2026 Venice Biennale alongside artist Khaled Sabsabi.
‘This is censorship’: Palestinian flags covered up in major exhibition at National Gallery of Australia | National Gallery of AustraliaUnited Kingdom· 2025-02-20Michael Dagostino was named as a successor alongside Khaled Sabsabi for the 2026 Venice Biennale.
Archie Moore and Ellie Buttrose appalled that Creative Australia dropped Khaled SabsabiAustralia· 2025-02-19
Michael Dagostino was part of the nominated artistic team for the Australian Pavilion at the 2026 Venice Biennale.
Australian art has long depicted outlaws, Khaled Sabsabi’s critics should remember. Let’s start with Ned Kelly | Ella Barclay for the ConversationUnited Kingdom· 2025-02-18
Michael Dagostino was the curator alongside Khaled Sabsabi for the Australian pavilion at the Venice Biennale.
Venice Biennale backflip could turn pride into embarrassmentAustralia· 2025-02-17
Together with artist Khaled Sabsabi, Michael Dagostino had proposed a work for the biennale to foster inclusivity.
Creative Australia decision sparks inquiry calls by GreensAustralia· 2025-02-17
Michael Dagostino is the curator supporting Khaled Sabsabi amidst the controversy.
Protester efter att konstnär petats från Venedigbiennalen
Sweden· 2025-02-14
Michael Dagostino was announced as the curator alongside Khaled Sabsabi for the 2026 Venice Biennale.
‘Art should not be censored’: Khaled Sabsabi responds to cancellation of Venice Biennale project | Australian artUnited Kingdom· 2025-02-14
Curator Michael Dagostino was part of the artistic duo selected to represent Australia at the Venice Biennale.
Creative Australia ditches Venice Biennale artistic duoAustralia· 2025-02-13