Introduction

The Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT) is Australia's flagship international contemporary art event and the world's only major recurring exhibition dedicated to the contemporary art of Asia, the Pacific, and Australia. Established in 1993 by the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) in Brisbane, the APT has played a pioneering role in introducing Australian audiences to the diverse artistic practices of the region while fostering cultural dialogue and exchange across national borders.

Held every three years, the APT presents a comprehensive survey of contemporary art from a vast geographic area stretching from West Asia to the Pacific Islands. The exhibition features works in all media—from painting and sculpture to installation, video, performance, and digital platforms—and places particular emphasis on commissioning new work directly from artists. Through its inclusive curatorial approach and extensive public programs, the APT has established itself as a crucial platform for understanding the rich cultural contexts and artistic innovations of Australia's wider region.

Narrative & Themes

The Asia Pacific Triennial consistently explores themes that reflect the cultural, social, and political complexities of the Asia-Pacific region, using contemporary art as a lens through which to examine shared histories, challenges, and futures. While each edition develops its own curatorial framework, recurring themes include cultural identity, migration and diaspora, colonialism and its legacies, urbanization, environmental sustainability, and the impact of globalization on local traditions.

Unlike many international exhibitions that impose predetermined thematic constraints, the APT's curatorial approach is known for its responsiveness to artists' own concerns and contexts. This methodology allows for the emergence of diverse perspectives and acknowledges the specific local conditions in which contemporary art practices develop across the region, while still identifying connections and dialogues between different cultural traditions.

The exhibition places particular emphasis on commissioning large-scale, site-specific installations that respond to QAGOMA's architectural spaces and often incorporate traditional techniques and materials in innovative ways. Through these commissions, the APT has built a significant collection of contemporary Asian and Pacific art that provides a lasting legacy beyond each exhibition's duration.

History & Context

The inaugural Asia Pacific Triennial in 1993 marked a significant shift in Australia's cultural orientation, reflecting the country's growing recognition of its geographical and economic ties to Asia and the Pacific rather than solely to Europe and North America. Conceived by QAGOMA's then-director Doug Hall and curator Caroline Turner, the first APT included artists from just nine countries but established the exhibition's commitment to direct engagement with artists in their local contexts.

Over subsequent editions, the APT has continually expanded its geographical scope and curatorial ambitions, playing a crucial role in introducing international audiences to artists who have since gained global recognition. The exhibition's development parallels Australia's evolving relationship with its regional neighbors and reflects broader shifts in the global art world toward greater recognition of previously marginalized artistic traditions and perspectives.

Exhibition Venues

The Asia Pacific Triennial is hosted by the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), a cultural institution comprising two adjacent buildings on Brisbane's South Bank. Since the opening of the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) in 2006, the APT has utilized both venues, taking advantage of their distinctive architectural qualities to present different aspects of the exhibition.

The Queensland Art Gallery (QAG), with its more traditional gallery spaces, typically houses painting, sculpture, and historical components, while the larger, purpose-built spaces of GOMA accommodate ambitious installations, immersive environments, moving image works, and performance. The exhibition extends beyond these formal gallery spaces to include the Watermall in QAG, the River Lounge in GOMA, and outdoor areas along the Brisbane River, creating a comprehensive cultural experience that invites different modes of engagement.