AUSTRALIA.- US art collectors are invited to join one of two 2004 Art Collector Visits to Australia during May & June 2004 to experience and acquire the latest Australian contemporary and indigenous fine art and craft directly at local prices.  Coordinated by the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) and the Cultural Relations Branch of the Embassy of Australia in Washington, each visit will include studio and gallery tours, lecture programs, special receptions and sightseeing, with an emphasis on offering participants the opportunity to purchase or commission work from the artists.   

Austrade’s Washington-based Business Development Manager, Dion Love said all participants will be accompanied by Australian art specialists each offering many years experience working with established artists, as well as new emerging talent in Australia’s vibrant art scene. 

"Each visit will draw on the participants’ extensive networks and provides direct access to artists and art communities," Mr. Love said. "The programs offer participants a special opportunity to engage the artists and experience art in the environment in which it is created. The visits will also provide individual participants with freedom to view the broadest possible range of artists’ works that is currently available and purchase directly at local prices," he said. 

Both itineraries are approximately 14 days in duration and limited to a group of 15 participants.  The visits are offered to US collectors on a self-funded basis. 

The Contemporary Art Collector Visit will begin May 26 and continue through June 7.  

 Sydney (26-29 May) 

 Canberra (30 May-1 June) 

 Launceston and Hobart (2-3 June) 

 Melbourne (4-7 June)  

The Indigenous Art Collector Visit will begin May 26 and continue through June 9.  

 Sydney (26-29 May)

 Alice Springs (30-31 May)

 Darwin and other locations (1-5 June)

 Kakadu, Arnhem Land and other locations (6-7 June)

 Nhulunbuy and Cairns (8-9 June)