Australia is to be the focus country at the upcoming ARCO (Arte Contemporaneo) international contemporary art fair, in Madrid in February. Australia at ARCO 2002: Australia with the rest of the world will be the largest ever international showing of local visual arts product overseas, and will include the work of more than 80 artists in seven exhibitions across Madrid, as well as a speakers' program, representation by print and online arts magazines and a significant presence at the fair's Major Collectors' Program. Artists to be represented include: Tracey Moffat, Imants Tillers, Jenny Watson, Juan Davila, Gordon Bennett, Kathleen Petyarre, Rosslynd Piggott, Ricky Swallow, Tim Johnson, Bill Henson and Patricia Piccini, as well as artists from the outback communities of Utopia, Balgo Hills and Paupunya. ARCO 2002, the 21st such event, will host exhibitions from 261 galleries worldwide, and 200 of the global art scene's leading critics, collectors and speakers, participating in a series of panel discussions. Organisers argue that the fair is a 'key professional meeting place, unique on the art-fair circuit'. Commissioner of the ARCO 2002 Australian presence, Paul Greenaway, commented: 'Our objectives for participation in this event are two-fold. In the first instance, to present to the rest of the world a comprehensive and dynamic body of work by some of Australia's most exciting and innovative contemporary artists. Secondly, to assist Australian artists who have potential for inclusion in the international arena... An important corollary... is the dynamic cultural exchange which occurs [at such events].' The Australia Council is supporting the nation's presence at ARCO as a major plank of its Visual Arts International Market Development Program, according to council CEO Jennifer Bott. She particularly acknowledged the achievement of Greenaway, whose participation in ARCO over many years was a major catalyst for Australia being invited to be the focus country in 2002. Other agencies supporting the venture include the Commonwealth Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, state arts funding bodies in Victoria and South Australia, Austrade and the Australian Embassy in Madrid. Full program details for ARCO 2002 are available online at: www.arco.ifema.es