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The ACGA @ KIAF/11

AUSTRALIAN CONTEMPORARY ART TO BE SHOWCASED IN KOREA

In September, many leading Australian commercial art galleries will visit Korea to exhibit works by important contemporary Australian artists at the Korea International Art Fair (KIAF). This year, in recognition of the Australia Korea Year of Friendship to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, Australia is the Guest Country at KIAF. It is anticipated that 15 Australian galleries and 70 Australian contemporary artists will be showcased at the Fair.

Each gallery is a member of the Australian Commercial Galleries Association (acga) and is attending the fair as part of the Association’s Korean Export Market Development Programme. This programme aims to build a market for contemporary Australian art in Korea and is being supported by the Australian Federal Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australia Council for the Arts.

KIAF is Korea’s hub for global art trade and attracts commercial galleries and collectors from around the world. 2011 will be the acga project group’s third visit to Korea to attend the high profile art fair.

KIAF/11 will run from Thursday 22 – Monday 26 September inclusive. Now in its tenth year, the fair is building its reputation as the leading art fair in the Asia Pacific region. In 2010, the fair was attended by 72,000 visitors and 195 exhibitors – these numbers are expected to increase this year as the Fair celebrates its 10th birthday.

Australian galleries are looking forward to presenting exciting and unique works to discerning collectors. Whilst the artists to be exhibited at KIAF are yet to be finalised, the selection will include some of Australia's leading contemporary indigenous and non-indigenous artists.

Ms Randi Linnegar, the acga’s National President said “We hope to make a substantial impact this year as the Guest Country. We are encouraging as many member galleries as possible to attend so that a diverse cross section of Australian art can be promoted to the Korean marketplace. 2011 is a rare opportunity for us to demonstrate the strength of Australian contemporary art, strengthen cultural relations and develop exchange programmes, with the generous assistance of the Federal Government.” added Linnegar.

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; the Australian works were described as vibrant and fresh.

“We see Korea as an important international market and are excited to be returning,” said Mrs Janan Greer, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Commercial Galleries Association and a visitor to the Fair for the past two years. “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/11 is one of several Australian cultural projects scheduled to take place this year. The acga very much 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