Trial by social media: Australia Council vs the donors

Social media is abuzz with commentary about the Venice Biennale following reports of disgruntled donors. We summarise some of the debate.

Tracey Moffatt MY HORIZON at the Australian Pavilion, Biennale Arte 2017. Credit: John Gollings.

Earlier this week the Australia Council for the Arts announced that it has abolished its tradition of appointing an independent commissioner – usually an eminent art expert or patron – to select the artist who will represent Australia in Venice. A more democratic process, including an open call for Expressions of Interest, has been introduced.

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Gina Fairley is ArtsHub's National Visual Arts Editor. For a decade she worked as a freelance writer and curator across Southeast Asia and was previously the Regional Contributing Editor for Hong Kong based magazines Asian Art News and World Sculpture News. Prior to writing she worked as an arts manager in America and Australia for 14 years, including the regional gallery, biennale and commercial sectors. She is based in Mittagong, regional NSW. Twitter: @ginafairley Instagram: fairleygina