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.⁠

ACErlu tampinthi, ngadlu Kaurna yartangka inparrinthi. Kaurna miyurna yaitya yarta-mathanya Wama Tarntanyaku. Parnaku yailtya, parnaku tapa purruna, parnaku yarta ngadlurlu tampinthi. Yalaka Kaurna miyurna itu yailtya, tapa purruna, yarta kuma puru martinthi, puru warri-apinthi, puru tangka martulayinthi. Ngadlurlu tampinthi purkana pukinangku, yalaka.

ACE respectfully acknowledges the Kaurna people are the traditional custodians of the Adelaide Plains. 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. We acknowledge Elders past and present.

ACErlu tampinthi, ngadlu Kaurna yartangka inparrinthi. Kaurna miyurna yaitya yarta-mathanya Wama Tarntanyaku. Parnaku yailtya, parnaku tapa purruna, parnaku yarta ngadlurlu tampinthi. Yalaka Kaurna miyurna itu yailtya, tapa purruna, yarta kuma puru martinthi, puru warri-apinthi, puru tangka martulayinthi. Ngadlurlu tampinthi purkana pukinangku, yalaka.

ACE respectfully acknowledges the Kaurna people are the traditional custodians of the Adelaide Plains. 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. We acknowledge Elders past and present.