A work by Australian artist

A work by Australian artist Fiona Hall at the Venice Biennale in 2015
A new method of selecting Australia's entrant for the world's biggest art event has set off a passionate backlash among some donors, reports the BBC's Hywel Griffith in Sydney.

There is no room for democracy when it comes to choosing Australia's leading artist, according to one of the country's most prominent philanthropists.

Simon Mordant has donated heavily to the arts in Australia over the last decade, including about A$3m (£1.7m; $2.4m) towards Australia's involvement in the Venice Biennale. But he and his wife Catriona have withdrawn financial support for next year's entry.

They made the decision after artists were told they would have to apply for the position instead of being invited.

"Most eligible artists who could do the job are extremely busy," Mr Mordant told the BBC's World at One programme.

"They are not going to respond to a newspaper advert and they are not going to want to be disappointed by not being selected."