ACE stands for artistic independence.

ACE stands for artistic independence.

Adelaide Contemporary Experimental (ACE) stands for the principles of artistic independence, freedom of thought and freedom of expression.⁠

ACE accepts that Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino were selected via a rigorous and professional independent open-call process to represent Australia at the 2026 Venice Biennale.⁠

The Australian artistic community needs transparency. ACE supports the establishment of an independent review into Creative Australia’s decision to appoint and then revoke Sabsabi and Dagostino as the 2026 Biennale representatives.⁠

We hope that Creative Australia will continue to strengthen its processes and policies to ensure that transparency and accountability are embedded as principles of practice, and continue setting the standard for the Australian Arts community to aspire to.⁠

This is an opportunity for the Federal Government, the Coalition Shadow Government, minor parties and independents to affirm their commitment to freedom of thought and expression for all Australians, and guarantee the protection of Creative Australia’s independent review processes.⁠

ACE tampinthi, ngadlu Kaurna yartangka panpapanpalyarninthi (inparrinthi). Kaurna miyurna yaitya mathanya Wama Tarntanyaku. Parnaku yailtya, parnaku tapa purruna, parnaku yarta ngadlu tampinthi. Yalaka Kaurna miyurna itu yailtya, tapa purruna, yarta kuma puru martinthi, puru warri-apinthi, puru tangka martulayinthi.

ACE respectfully acknowledges the traditional Country of the Kaurna people of the Adelaide Plains and pays respect to Elders past and present. We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and relationship with the land. We acknowledge that they are of continuing importance to the Kaurna people living today.

ACE tampinthi, ngadlu Kaurna yartangka panpapanpalyarninthi (inparrinthi). Kaurna miyurna yaitya mathanya Wama Tarntanyaku. Parnaku yailtya, parnaku tapa purruna, parnaku yarta ngadlu tampinthi. Yalaka Kaurna miyurna itu yailtya, tapa purruna, yarta kuma puru martinthi, puru warri-apinthi, puru tangka martulayinthi.

ACE respectfully acknowledges the traditional Country of the Kaurna people of the Adelaide Plains and pays respect to Elders past and present. We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and relationship with the land. We acknowledge that they are of continuing importance to the Kaurna people living today.