Investigation launched into Gayton McKenzie’s Venice Biennale decision

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie faces an investigation by Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka for his decision to stop artist Gabrielle Goliath from participating in the 2026 Venice Biennale.

DA MP and the party’s spokesperson on sport, arts and culture Leah Potgieter has asked Gcaleka to probe after McKenzie withdrew South Africa’s official submission to the 2026 Venice Biennale after a lawful, independent selection process had already been finalised.

She said the Public Protector should investigate whether McKenzie’s conduct amounts to maladministration, an abuse or unjustifiable exercise of power, and whether an act or omission by a person performing a public function resulted in unlawful or improper prejudice to others.

The Public Protector on Friday confirmed receipt of the complaint and stated that the matter is being processed in accordance with its investigation procedures.

McKenzie has indicated that his department had an agreement with Art Periodic to make exhibition space available to Art Periodic to promote the work of a South African artist or artists at the exhibition, with the rental of space at the South African Pavilion in Venice already having been paid for.

“Public resources were, therefore, already invested in the project prior to any relationship with Art Periodic coming into effect. Art Periodic undertook to raise funding from the South African private sector to stage an exhibition.

“However, when it was brought to my attention that a foreign country had allegedly undertaken to fund South Africa’s exhibition, this was raised as a concern with Art Periodic, who clarified that – according to their understanding – this foreign country had actually undertaken to purchase the artworks concerned following the conclusion of the Biennale,” the department explained.

According to the department, this nevertheless still raised alarm, as it was being alleged that South Africa’s platform was being used as a proxy by a foreign power to endorse a geopolitical message about the actions of Israel in Gaza.

“This foreign country has its own resources, so why not rent its own space and fund its own message to convey its feelings about Israel and Gaza,” the department said.

Art Periodic describes itself as a not-for-profit company established last year to administer, produce, and fundraise for South Africa’s participation in non-commercial international art exhibitions and cultural events.

Art Periodic South Africa partnered with the department to administer, produce, and fundraise for the South African Pavilion at the 2026 Venice Biennale.

The entity indicated that earlier this month, the department terminated the partnership and, therefore, no longer holds a mandate to proceed with the project or to make any announcements in relation to it.

loyiso.sidimba@inl.co.za