News

Australia set to take Korea International Art Fair by storm - Thu, Sep 8 2011

On 21 September 2011,  leading Australian commercial art galleries will visit Korea to exhibit works by important Australian artists at the Korea International Art Fair (KIAF). This year, Australia is the Guest Country at KIAF in recognition of the Australia Korea Year of Friendship which celebrates the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Sixteen acga member galleries and some 70 Australian contemporary artists will be showcased at the Fair. Over 20 of the exhibiting artists plan to attend the Fair in person.

Members of the Australian Commercial Galleries Association (acga) are attending 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 generously supported by the Australian Federal Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Australia Unlimited.

KIAF/11 will run from Thursday 22 – Monday 26 September inclusive. In 2010, KIAF was attended by 72,000 visitors and 195 exhibitors. These numbers are expected to increase this year as the Fair celebrates its 10th birthday. KIAF is Korea’s hub for global art trade and attracts commercial galleries and collectors from around the world, building a reputation as the leading art fair in the Asia Pacific region. 2011 will be the acga project group’s third year of participation in this high profile art event.

Australia’s cultural diversity produces unique art works unlike anywhere else in the world. At the acga member galleries’ stands, discerning KIAF visitors will experience a highly varied selection of Australia's leading contemporary indigenous and non-indigenous artists.

Ms Randi Linnegar, the acga’s National President said “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. We are thrilled to be making such an impact in Asia.”

“We see Korea as an important international market and are excited to be returning,” adds Ms Linnegar. “Korea has a sophisticated visual arts culture, whose industry professionals and collectors have a distinctive outlook – they are receptive to international art, yet still value their own creative content immensely – it is a wonderful perspective.”

The acga and its members have been encouraged by the response to Australian contemporary art during their previous participations with KIAF. Feedback from collectors has been very positive, with the Australian works being described as “vibrant and fresh”.

KIAF/11 is one of several Australian cultural projects scheduled to take place this year. The acga anticipates these continuing projects will cement long term creative exchange and trade with Korea.

For more information about KIAF, please visit www.kiaf.org or contact Andrew Gaynor, CEO of the acga, at mail@acga.com.au
 


    Events