UTOPIA | itinerant Asia Pacific visual arts project | forum + exhibition

Utopia is an itinerant, visual arts project held every two years in different Asia Pacific cities. It focuses upon principles of collaboration, diversity and capacity building, forging links between art, life and communities. Theme: Intimate Publics: new models for art engagement, creativity and politics in the Asia Pacific region Melbourne - FORUM (Tues 18 Oct), EXHIBITION (Thu 13 Oct-Sat 5 Nov 2011) Utopia is an itinerant, visual arts project held every two years in different Asia Pacific cities. Utopia comprises core and satellite exhibitions, cultural exchange projects, residencies, workshops, education programs and web access that strongly connect local and international communities. Modelled on the highly successful European Manifesta, this roving event counters the challenge of mounting and sustaining biennales in one city by offering an adaptive model. Utopia focuses upon principles of collaboration, diversity and capacity building, forging links between art, life and communities. Utopia examines the cultural, curatorial and political terrain of the Asia Pacific region at a crucial time in the proliferation of Biennales. A highly respected Steering Committee is leading the planning phase of Utopia including:

• Mr Yusaku Imamura, representing the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Director, Tokyo Wonder Site
• Mr Tan Boon Hui, Director of the Singapore Art Museum
• Ms Alison Carroll, former Arts Director, Asialink
• Ms Natalie King, Director, Utopia

An innovative and flexible model, Utopia connects different geo-political regions through inter-cultural engagement. Participating cities include: Tokyo, Beijing, Seoul, Taipei, Hangzhou, New Delhi, Singapore, Chiang Mai, Manila, Yogyakarta, Melbourne and Auckland. The first event is scheduled for 2012. Check website for details of the Intimate Publics FORUM and EXHIBITION to be organised in October 2011 in Melbourne, Australia The development phase of Utopia has been supported by Australia Council, Arts Victoria and The Australia International Cultural Council (an initiative of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade).

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