The APT10 Festival will take over QAGOMA for two jam-packed days in late April, with 140 artists and performers presenting more than 40 free events celebrating the creativity, diversity and vibrancy of the Asia Pacific region. Event-goers can immerse themselves in a host of activities, including dance and music performances, storytelling, workshops, cooking demonstrations, talks and more. On the entertainment front there will be performances by the Brisbane Pride Choir and APT10 artist Brian Fuata, or you can get hands on with art-making workshops – think mooncake decorating, flag making and deity crown creating – designed by APT10 artists Phuong Ngo, Shannon Novak, Vipoo Srivilasa. Those who want to treat their ears to a captivating tale can visit the story garden featuring APT10 artist Gordon Hookey, writers Nadine Chemali and Sandhya Parappukkaran and members of The Pacific Climate Warriors. You can also check out thought-provoking conversations where artists and writers chat about the role that culture can play in amplifying diverse voices amongst many more timely themes.

On Sunday April 24, celebrated chef Emily Yeoh and APT10 artist Vipoo Srivilasa will fire up the ovens for cooking demonstration ‘You Are What You Eat’, where they will share recipes close to their hearts while highlighting the role food plays in connecting to and celebrating culture. This will be followed by the not-to-be-missed festival closer, Performance Extravaganza, featuring lively performances and eccentric antics by some of Queensland’s best dance troupes, musicians and more. This fiery showcase is hosted by dynamite drag performers Shivannah (Fez Faanana) and Kween Kong (Thomas Fonua), and will include everything from a Clap Stick Flash Mob by Digi Youth Arts to a Bollywood dance with Dance Masala. There will also be local Pasifika performers, a sitar group, an Arabic music ensemble, a Japanese drumming team, Filipino-Australian folk dancers and Brisbane’s pioneering ballroom performers, the House of Alexander. If watching all of the singing and dancing has got you in a famished frenzy, make sure to grab a sip and a snack at the GOMA Bistro, GOMA Restaurant, QAG Cafe and pop-up Newstead Coastal Bar, or at one of the many food trucks that will be popping up over the weekend to sling some flavoursome international fare.

This article was written in partnership with our friends at QAGOMA. 

^{Image one: House of Alexander / Image courtesy: House of Alexander
Image two: Digi Youth Arts, Clap Stick Flash Mob performance at APT10 Opening / December 2021 / Gallery of Modern Art / Photography: Marc Pricop, QAGOMA
Image three: Vipoo Srivilasa’s Deity Crowns workshop / Photograph: Brad Wagner, QAGOMA
Image four: Brian Fuata / Aotearoa New Zealand/Australia b.1978 / Errantucation (mist opportunities) (still) 2021 / Commissioned for APT10 / Purchased 2021 with funds from the Jennifer Taylor Bequest through the Queensland Art Gallery l Gallery of Modern Art Foundation / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane
Image five: Dance Masala / Image courtesy: Dance Masala}