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A vibrant exhibition of artwork, stories and experiences opens in Brisbane

A free exhibition featuring artworks by more than 80 artists, collectives and groups from more than 30 countries will officially open tonight at Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk will launch the ninth Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT) series, APT9, which is the first and only recurring exhibition to focus exclusively on artists from Australia, Asia and the Pacific.

“This flagship exhibition will take people on a journey through stories and experiences from across our expansive region and is a great reminder of the common ground we share and the diversity that enriches us,” the Premier said.

“The series has introduced us to new and significant artistic talent and has deeply enriched our understanding of the social and cultural fabric of the Asia Pacific.

“It has also helped the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art build a truly outstanding international event.

“The Queensland Government has been a proud supporter of APT since its inception in 1993 with the exhibition attracting more than 3 million visitors over its 25-year history.”

Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch said APT was recognised as a truly outstanding contemporary art event.

“Each APT engages us with the ideas and experiences of life in Asia, the Pacific and Australia as expressed by contemporary artists,” she said.

“APT has been instrumental for Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art in building strong relationships throughout the region and developing an unrivalled collection of contemporary art from Australia and the Asia Pacific.

“This is a wonderful exhibition and I encourage everyone to come and see it.

“I am so proud of our vibrant arts sector, which continues to put Queensland centre stage as a leading cultural tourism destination.

That’s why the Palaszczuk Government committed $180 million in this year’s State Budget for new funding to the arts.”

QAGOMA Director Chris Saines said APT9 was an expansive free exhibition that captured the energy of new art being created in Asia, the Pacific and Australia.

“Developed by our specialist team of QAGOMA curators, APT9 presents some of the most exciting and important contemporary art being created in the region, including major new commissions designed for the Gallery’s signature spaces,” Mr Saines said.

"Following three years of curatorial travel and extensive research, the ninth edition of our flagship exhibition series offers an accessible contemporary art experience across the entire Gallery of Modern Art including the Children’s Art Centre and the Australian Cinémathèque and key spaces at the Queensland Art Gallery until 28 April 2019.”

APT9 Kids

Integral to the Triennial exhibition, is APT9 Kids, eight interactive hands-on and multimedia activities developed by artists especially for children and families. The APT9 Kids on Tour program will be presented across more than 100 regional and remote venues throughout the state from January through to April 2019 and an all-ages APT9 Summer Festival will be staged at QAGOMA from 18-20 January 2019.

APT9 Opening Weekend

The APT9 Opening Weekend program on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 November at QAGOMA features artist talks, tours, discussions, performances and drop-in workshops.

For more information, visit www.qagoma.qld.gov.au/whats-on/exhibitions/the-9th-asia-pacific-triennial-of-contemporary-art-apt9