Artrave

The opening of the Sixth Asia Pacific Triennial in Brisbane will go down in the history of these events as one of the most exuberant and inclusive. Everyone was invited and they all came. Never have so many Pacific Islanders and Gen Ys been in an art museum of their own volition at any one time. The attraction was not so much the art as the Pacific reggae band which took over the space after the formalities were done, and the crowd responded with huge enthusiasm, with even the black clad skinny arterati of all ages swaying perceptibly to the beat. Strangely it took a man from Melbourne, Director Tony Ellwood, to dream up this sub-tropical trip. His Gallery of Modern Art continues to offer multiple cultural experiences over and above those in any other art museum in Australia, such as free feature film screenings, very popular children's programs, interactivity and many information areas as well as acres of art, topped off by having arguably Australia’s best art bookshop. Pity they can’t get the aircon right though - patrons are regularly seen scurrying outside to thaw out.