A divisive artwork titled Mate, You’re Standing on Stolen Land has sparked fierce debate over whether taxpayer money should fund politically charged art.
The piece was created by acclaimed First Nations artist Kirli Saunders and now sits prominently at the Wollongong Art Gallery in NSW‘s Illawarra region.
A photo of the artwork shared by commentator Hugo Lennon, a leading force behind the March for Australia rallies, has divided Aussies online.
‘Deliberate provocation. There is nothing about unity in that,’ one person said.
‘Art gallery curators are THE WORST,’ a second said.
‘No artist, or sport should receive any government funding,’ a third wrote.
‘The arts and sport would be just fine without it. Funding just props up poor art and unpopular sports.’
However, others defended the artwork against the backlash.
The artwork made by Kirli Saunders, on display at the Wollongong Art Gallery (pictured)
‘Is it a bad thing to acknowledge what actually happened in the past?’ one said.
‘You could put this sign absolutely anywhere and it’d be true,’ a second wrote.
‘And it’s awesome art. What’s your point?’ a third shared.
Wollongong Art Gallery is funded by Wollongong City Council and receives grants from Create NSW and the Australia Council for the Arts, meaning taxpayer dollars likely contributed to the acquisition or commissioning of Saunders’ work.
The work was first displayed at the Southern Highlands Artisans Collective (SHAC) before being moved to Wollongong, where it is now part of the permanent collection.
Raised in the Southern Highlands, Saunders says the artwork reflects her connection to Country and the stories passed down by Elders.
The artwork is inspired by a line from a poem in Ms Saunders’ second poetry collection, Returning.
‘Sassy and colloquial, it’s a yarn starter to bring about change,’ she said.
The artwork is inspired by a poem written by Kiril Saunders (pictured) from ‘Returning’
Saunders’ career has been backed by major arts bodies, including Creative Australia, which has funded her exhibitions and residencies.
Creative Australia was previously criticised over its handling of Australia’s 2026 Venice Biennale entry.
The organisation sparked controversy after abruptly reversing its decision to drop artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino, just days after announcing them as the nation’s representatives at the international event.
The backflip drew fierce criticism from Liberal Senator Claire Chandler, who slammed the Albanese Government for endorsing an artist whose earlier works featured Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and imagery linked to the 9/11 attacks.
Chandler branded the selection unacceptable amid heightened antisemitism.
Following the backlash, Creative Australia reinstated Sabsabi and Dagostino, allowing them to proceed as Australia’s official entry.
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