Kids' APT - A collaboration

Welcome The Asia Pacific Triennial series consistently offers spectacular projects encompassing visual art, film, performance and dedicated children’s programming. ‘The 6th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art’ (APT6) was no exception, profiling the work of over 100 artists from 25 countries in the region, including a number of artists and artist collaborations whose work had never been seen in Australia before. Celebrating a decade of Kids’ APT, the Children’s Art Centre continued for APT6 its groundbreaking program of interactive art works and activities for young visitors. From its inception in 1999, the program has drawn much attention and has grown exponentially —involving over 55 artists and helping to attract more than 1.1 million visitors to the Triennial since 2002. The scope and ambition of Kids’ APT6 was unprecedented, featuring projects and works by 17 exhibiting artists. Special art work labels were created to help engage young visitors and an interactive installation especially for children and families also featured as part of the opening weekend celebrations. The Summer Spectacular Festival was hugely successful, attracting over 67 000 people over 11 days of artist workshops, performances, film screenings and special presentations. The APT series showcases every aspect of the Gallery’s programming and ambitions and continues to nurture the unique partnerships we have made with supporters, sponsors and government, all of who are fundamental to the exhibitions’ success. To this end, we particularly thank the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation for its generous support of Kids’ APT6. Without this invaluable support, the Gallery would not have been able to present such a large and diverse range of artist projects and activities for our audiences. I hope you enjoy reading about the highlights of the program in this richly illustrated report. Tony Ellwood Director School students and general public view ‘The 6th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art’ (APT6) / Photograph: Natasha Harth 2