Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) is being transformed in preparation for the opening of the signature Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT10 on 4 December).
"This marks the landmark tenth time QAGOMA has presented this bold and internationally-acclaimed exhibition," Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch announced during an on-site visit today to APT10 Kids, a key feature of APT10.
"For more than a quarter of a century, the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art has featured some of the most exciting, inspiring and important works from around Australia, Asia and the Pacific.
"The Asia Pacific Triennial is unique among recurring contemporary art exhibitions for its geographic focus and cross-cultural awareness which foster exceptional opportunities for cultural tourism and community development."
Minister Enoch said APT10 showcased 69 projects by emerging and established artists and collectives from more than 30 countries and would be presented all through summer until 25 April 2022.
"The Palaszczuk Government is a founding supporter of this innovative exhibition series, viewed by more than 3.7 million visitors over the past nine editions.
"The Arts sector is a vital part of Queensland's COVID-19 economic recovery plan and APT10 will be an important contributor. The previous exhibition, APT9, attracted 718,000 visits, contributing almost $35 million to Queensland's economy and generating more than 288,000 visitor nights.
"In a broader sense, each year the arts and cultural sectors contribute $8.5 billion to the state's economy and support more than 92,000 jobs for Queenslanders."
Minister Enoch said exhibitions like APT10 and the recent European Masterpieces from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York were made possible through the Queensland Government's blockbuster funding to QAGOMA.
"The Met was the sixth most attended ticketed exhibition since QAGOMA opened, attracting more than 191,000 visitors," Ms Enoch said.
"The Palaszczuk Government is providing a $6 million injection over three years into blockbuster funding from 2022-23, building on our commitment of more than $20 million in blockbuster funding since 2016.
"Our investment in blockbuster funding supports QAGOMA to present exclusive exhibitions like APT10 to create jobs, advance cultural tourism and generate positive economic outcomes, especially in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics when our arts and cultural experiences will be showcased on the world stage."
QAGOMA Director Chris Saines said the tenth chapter in the Gallery's flagship series offered an expansive, free exhibition across both gallery sites and incorporated a multi-strand cinema program, onsite and virtual events, seven artist projects for children and families, a two-night Up Late event in March 2022 and a full-colour publication.
"The exhibition includes recent and newly commissioned works that are rich with stories of travel, journeys, migrations and connections to place," Mr Saines said.
"APT10 Kids continues the tradition of the Gallery's Children's Art Centre inviting artists to develop interactives that encourage young visitors and families to explore the diverse cultures of the region and develop an understanding of contemporary art.
"Six of the interactives will also be presented at more than 100 regional and remote venues from December to April as part of APT10 Kids on Tour."
