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The ACGA returns to KIAF/12

AUSTRALIAN CONTEMPORARY ART SHOWCASED IN KOREA IN 2012 




In September 2012, four leading Australian commercial art galleries will return to Korea to exhibit works by important contemporary Australian artists at the Korea International Art Fair (KIAF). All will be attending as part of the Australian Commercial Galleries Association’s (ACGA) Korean Export Market Development Program, which aims to build a market for contemporary Australian art in Korea. Now in its eleventh year, KIAF is Korea’s hub for global art trade and attracts commercial galleries and collectors from around the world. 2012 will be the ACGA project group’s fourth visit to Korea to attend this high profile art fair, which runs from Thursday 13 – Monday 17 September inclusive.


In recognition of the 2011 Australia-Korea Year of Friendship, which celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, Australia was the Guest Country at KIAF/11. Seventeen Australian galleries – 16 of which were ACGA members – and 70 Australian contemporary artists were showcased at the Fair. The ACGA participation at KIAF/11 was supported by the Australian Federal Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia Unlimited, and the Australia Council for the Arts. The event featured 195 exhibitors (117 Korean galleries, and 75 foreign), was attended by over 70,000 visitors, and total sales reached more than USD$12 million. Ms Randi Linnegar, the ACGA’s National President said “We are proud to have made a substantial impact last year as the Guest Country. Four of our members had complete or near-complete sell-out shows and the majority felt positive about the experience.”


Linnegar adds: “Whilst 2012 sees a smaller number of galleries returning, we still intend to exhibit a diverse cross section of Australian art which can be promoted to the Korean marketplace. The Association’s Korean Export Market Development Program continues to provide opportunities for us to demonstrate the strength of Australian contemporary art, strengthen cultural relations and develop exchange programs, aided by the generous assistance of the Federal Government.”


The ACGA and its members have been encouraged by the response to Australian contemporary art in Korea. Australia’s cultural diversity produces unique art works unlike anywhere else in the world. Feedback from collectors has been very positive, with the Australian works being described as vibrant and fresh. “We recognise Korea as an important international market and are excited to be returning,” said Mrs Janan Greer, Chief Executive Officer of the ACGA, who returns this year having visited the Fair twice in 2009 and 2010. “Korea has a sophisticated visual arts culture. The visual arts professionals and collectors we have met have a unique outlook. They are receptive to international art, yet still value their own creative content immensely. It is a wonderful perspective.”




KIAF/12 is one of several Australian/Korean cultural and marketing projects scheduled to take place over the next twelve months. The ACGA hopes these projects coupled with KIAF will cement long term creative exchange and trade with Korea.




For more information about KIAF, please visit www.kiaf.org