Griffith Asia Institute (GAI) and the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) marked the 20th anniversary of their landmark public lecture series, Perspectives:Asia, with a special event on Thursday 24 July at the Gallery's South Bank venue.
Since its inception in 2005 as a joint initiative between GAI and QAGOMA's Australian Centre of Asia Pacific Art (ACAPA), Perspectives:Asia has provided a vital platform for public engagement on Australia's relationship with the Asia-Pacific. Over two decades, the series has welcomed a diverse range of voices-artists, academics, diplomats and thought leaders-to explore regional issues through cultural, political and social lenses.
The anniversary event reflected on the series' legacy while looking to the future. Griffith University Vice Chancellor Professor Carolyn Evans opened the evening by highlighting the important role that institutions like GAI and QAGOMA play in building understanding across cultures.
Professor Caitlin Byrne, Pro Vice Chancellor (Business) and former GAI Director, moderated a dynamic panel discussion featuring four long-time contributors to the series:
- Professor Michael Wesley, who founded Perspectives:Asia in 2005 during his tenure as GAI Director
- Professor Julianne Schultz AM FAHA, author and founding editor of Griffith Review
- Chris Saines CNZM, Director of QAGOMA
- Professor Christoph Nedopil, current GAI Director
Each speaker shared reflections on how the series has evolved alongside Australia's shifting regional engagement. From its early focus on fostering cultural literacy to more recent conversations around geopolitical transformation, the series has remained a space for diverse perspectives and robust public dialogue. Professor Nedopil described the series as:
"A platform that continues to inform, challenge and inspire as the region enters a new era of geopolitical, environmental, and social transformation."
As Australia navigates new regional challenges, GAI and QAGOMA reaffirmed their commitment to continuing Perspectives:Asia-bringing fresh ideas and critical conversations to the public stage.
Read more about the Perspectives;Asia anniversary lecture and view the recording: 20 years of Perspectives:Asia - Lessons from the past for our future.
