12 APRIL 2016

APT8 BREAKS 600 000 ATTENDANCE

• Total attendance: 604 904
• 70 per cent of works exhibited acquired for the Collection
• Internationally, critically‑acclaimed
• Over 3 million visitors to APT since its inception in 1993

‘The 8th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art’ (APT8) at the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) came to a close on Sunday, with more than 600 000 people experiencing the critically-acclaimed exhibition since it opened in November 2015.

QAGOMA Director Chris Saines said attendance had continued to build after the record opening weekend that attracted more than 30 000 visitors and that this Triennial had been the most highly attended since APT5 (2006-07), which coincided with the opening of GOMA.

‘Not only have we had a fantastic result for APT8, but combined attendances to the Gallery’s flagship Asia Pacific Triennial exhibition series since its inception in 1993 now total more than 3 million,’ Mr Saines said.

‘Local, interstate and international audiences have embraced APT8 for its timeliness and relevance to contemporary issues in the region, and its exploration of sometimes challenging ideas. It has been well received by visitors of all ages.

‘With Government funding and the generosity of many Gallery benefactors through the QAGOMA Foundation, we have acquired 70 per cent of artworks exhibited in APT8 for the Gallery’s Collection, further enhancing our world renowned holdings of contemporary Asian and Pacific art.’

Acting Premier Jackie Trad said the APT was unquestionably one of Queensland’s most impressive contemporary arts events which carried an international profile and influence.

‘This flagship exhibition has been a major visitor drawcard for the Queensland Art Gallery for more than 20 years, touching hearts and minds across the globe and providing a fascinating social and cultural insight through the eyes of the Asia Pacific region’s contemporary artists, an area that represents more than half of the world’s population,’ Ms Trad said.

‘The APT has also opened doors for other key opportunities throughout the Asia Pacific region.

‘As the founding supporter of the APT, the Queensland Government plays an important role in this success.’

APT8 Live – the Gallery’s first foray into hosting an ongoing program of live performances and special events throughout the Triennial – was a major driver for audiences, with more than 44 000 visitors engaging in the program from November 2015 to April 2016.

‘Pop Islam’, ‘Filipino Indie’ and ‘Lav Diaz’, the three curated film programs running in conjunction with APT8 reached new audiences with over 4 700 people attending screenings at the Australian Cinémathèque.

The diverse APT8 Kids program of artist-developed activities was a hit with families with more than one fifth of all attendees being children. Artist Lawrence English’s work Everyday Whispers attracted over 20 000 voice-recorded wishes while 40 000 paper tiputas – poncho-like garments – were created in Rosanna Raymond’s Play with Your Birds and 28 000 drawing templates used in Venkat Raman Singh Shyman’s The Woman and the Parrot.

Select APT8 Kids activities will remain open in the Children’s Art Centre on GOMA’s Park Level until 15 May.

Audi Australia Pty Ltd’s Managing Director, Andrew Doyle said the German luxury carmaker was proud of its partnership with QAGOMA, in particular the success of APT8.

‘We commended the Gallery on the overall success of the APT8 exhibition. As a progressive brand, it’s important that Audi aligns itself with organisations that enrich cultural life in Queensland, and QAGOMA does exactly this. We look forward to continuing this rewarding partnership into the future,’ Mr Doyle said.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Kate Jones, said APT8 was a fantastic cultural tourism drawcard for visitors to Brisbane.

‘Queensland’s reputation as host to Australia’s best live events in Australia’s best destinations continues to grow through major cultural events such as APT8,’ Ms Jones said.

‘The attendance at APT8 was truly amazing and reflects its standing as the leading exhibition for Asian, Pacific and Australian contemporary art.’

The Queensland Government is the Founding Supporter of the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art series. APT8 was made possible with the support of Principal Sponsor Audi Australia, and Principal Partners Tourism and Events Queensland as part of a dynamic calendar of events throughout the State, and the Australia Council for the Arts.

APT8 Kids was supported by Principal Benefactor the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation and major sponsor Santos GLNG.

APT8 Live was supported by the Commonwealth through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art is the only recurring exhibition in the world to survey current and new art from this diverse region. Across eight exhibitions since 1993, it has been seen by three million visitors.

APT8 included artwork by 83 artists from more than 30 countries and occupied both the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art with major installations and work by leading artists from Asia and the Pacific.