‘The 10th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art’ (APT10), featuring 69 projects by emerging and established artists and collectives, together comprising more than 150 individuals from more than 30 countries, opens at the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) from tomorrow until 25 April, 2022.

QAGOMA Director Chris Saines said the tenth chapter in the Gallery’s flagship series offered an expansive, free exhibition across both galleries 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, a closing weekend Festival in April 2022 and a full-colour publication.

‘This weekend – Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 December – the opening of APT10 celebrates the vibrancy of art and creative practice across the Asia Pacific region,’ Mr Saines said.

The opening weekend includes free onsite events such as art-making workshops designed by APT10 artists; pop-up performances by Queensland’s eminent koto-player Takako Nishibori, Brisbane Pride Choir and APT10 artist Brian Fuata; and a Clap Stick Flash Mob by Digi Youth Arts. A series of virtual talks will feature more than 30 artists from across the globe. For more info visit www.qagoma.qld.gov.au/apt10openingweekend

Mr Saines said the APT had built an international reputation over almost 30 years as a challenging, dynamic exhibition which consistently highlights the most exciting and innovative developments in contemporary art from across a culturally diverse region.

‘As with previous Asia Pacific Triennials, APT10 includes recent and newly commissioned works that are rich with stories of travel, journeys, migrations and connections to place. The exhibition is layered with responses, questions and ideas about the present moment, the many issues facing humanity, and propositions towards the future from a vast range of cultural perspectives. It includes works of art that are by turn highly personal, deeply political, and full of joy,’ he said.

First Nations perspectives from across the region are central to APT10, which also includes co-curated focuses on indigenous art in Taiwan; cultural expression in Northern Oceania; and pre-colonial exchange between the Yolngu of north-east Arnhem Land and the Macassans of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. In addition, special projects explore ways of co-creating engagement with local Pasifika communities, as well as with the contemporary ceremonial culture of Papua New Guinea’s Uramat community.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the APT series was a signature event for Queensland’s art scene and had attracted 3.7 million visitors since its introduction in 1993.

‘APT10 explores the diverse stories and cultures of our region through an inspiring presentation of significant contemporary Asian and Pacific art,’ the Premier said.

‘The exhibition brings together artists and collectives from more than 30 countries, representing diverse cultures across a wide geography.

‘My government is proud to continue to support QAGOMA and blockbuster exhibitions like the APT series because the arts sector and the local jobs it supports are a critical part of our economic recovery plan.’

The Premier said her government has committed $26.8 million in blockbuster funding since 2016 to help deliver exclusive exhibitions like APT10 and the recent ‘European Masterpieces from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.’

‘Blockbuster funded exhibitions advance cultural tourism, boost the economy, and extend Queensland’s profile as a global cultural hub ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics when our arts experiences will be showcased on the world stage,’ the Premier said.

‘I encourage everyone to go along and see this free exhibition showcasing these incredible works.’

Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said the last APT exhibition in 2018 was a great success.

‘APT9 attracted 718 000 visits, contributing almost $35 million to Queensland’s economy and generating more than 288 000 visitor nights,’ Minister Enoch said.

‘This is a significant injection into our local economy and supporting events like this is critical to our economic recovery.

‘We have so far provided more than $79 million worth of initiatives for the Arts and Cultural sector in our COVID response which includes the $22.5 million Arts and Cultural Recovery Package designed to help stabilise local arts companies, reactivate venues, secure jobs and enable COVID-safe arts experiences across Queensland.

‘The 2021–22 Budget continues this support with more than $90 million invested in the arts sector including a dedicated $6 million over three years from 2022-23 for blockbuster funding to enable QAGOMA to attract more of these incredible exclusive exhibitions to Queensland.

‘The arts contribute $8.5 billion each year to the state’s economy and support more than 92 000 jobs for Queenslanders and we’ll continue to do everything we can to support it through these challenging times.'

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said APT10 was featured on the Tourism and Events Queensland It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.

‘Cultural events like this bring many new visitors to our city which benefits accommodation and transport providers, restaurants and local tourism operators,’ Minister Hinchliffe said.

‘We’re encouraging visitors to enjoy Queensland’s great art institutions and local culture, as well as the city’s many tourism experiences.’

‘The 10th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art’ is made possible with the support of Founding Supporter the Queensland Government, and Principal Partner the Australia Council for the Arts.

APT10 is also supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland, and features on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar; by Principal Benefactor the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation and Major Partners Shayher Group, Urban Art Projects and Queensland University of Technology.