May 27, 2026 – 5.54pmSimon Mordant is untroubled that Australia can’t defend its Golden Lion at Venice Biennale, arguing its more important that local artists are seen as he backed one into a major Rome residency and unveiled his donation of work by a dozen more to a regional gallery.“Notwithstanding Archie Moore’s fantastic result two years ago, I’m not a believer in medals for artists,” said investment banker Mordant, the ambassador and lead donor for Australia’s biennale participation. Kamilaroi artist Moore took home a golden lion statuette for his monumental personal genealogy, kith and kin, in 2024.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles