APT9 Exhibition Report

Top to bottom: Pope Alice in the opening night crowd of APT9 / Photograph: Chloë Callistemon; Kristel Kickett and Candice Lorrae of The Merindas perform at the APT9 opening party / Photograph: Natasha Harth; Torres Strait Islander artists from Erub (Darnley Island) with their charcoal drawing Sea Journey: people without borders 2018 at the APT9 opening night / Photograph: Natasha Harth Opposite: Bird’s-eye view of the APT9 Official Opening with Vuth Lyno’s House – Spirit 2018 and Nona Garcia’s wood panel paintings comprising Untitled Pine Tree 2018 / Photograph: Chloë Callistemon OPENING EVENTS MEDIA PREVIEW The APT9 Media Preview was attended by up to 100 key guests on Friday 23 November 2018. The event commenced with a performance piece by artists Latai Taumoepeau and Brian Fuata on the Forecourt, which coaxed guests into GOMA and down into the River Room for the official proceedings. The formalities included a welcome and introduction to the APT9 exhibition by QAGOMA Director Chris Saines CNZM, and speeches by Professor Emeritus Ian O’Connor AC, Chair, QAGOMA Board of Trustees, and the Honourable Leeanne Enoch MP. Following the official proceedings, guests were treated to a tour of exhibition highlights with several QAGOMA curators across both buildings. OFFICIAL OPENING Over 1200 guests attended the APT9 Official Opening at GOMA on Friday 23 November 2018. Guests were provided with the opportunity to preview the exhibition exclusively before the public opening night party later that evening. Speakers included Director Chris Saines, Avril Quaill, Chair of QAGOMA’s Indigenous Advisory Panel and the Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk MP, Premier of Queensland and Minister for Trade. OPENING NIGHT PARTY A total attendance of 10 757 was recorded for the APT9 opening night party, with celebrations across both QAG and GOMA allowing the public to enjoy the exhibition in its entirety. At QAG, DJ Jake kicked off the night on the main stage, followed by headline act The Merindas. Visitors to GOMA took in a performance piece by Latai Taumoepeau and Brian Fuata and live performance by DJ Hannah Bronte on the GOMA stage. APT9-inspired street food was served at live cooking stations. 56 OPENING EVENTS