2high Festival 2010, presented by Backbone Youth Arts in Brisbane, has announced the first release of artists.

In the announcement are music, performance and visual artists including local rock sensation Nikko and Melbourne-based dancer Gareth Hart.

Festival Director Alanna Hankey said this is an exciting milestone for 2high Festival that has in its 17 years presented some of Australia's nationally acclaimed artists including The Grates and Katie Noonan.

“The artists on this year’s line-up are nothing short of amazing and I can’t wait to see where their future will take them," Hankey said.

“I’m proud to know that 2high Festival will be a part of that journey.”

Fitting with the 2high Festival 2010 theme and tagline – Awaken the Machine – is the use of a randomizer to select the showcase of artists on the website.

The randomizer was developed by ZERO HOUR & CO with the intention for all 2high Festival 2010 artists to be offered a balanced opportunity in the limelight.

ZERO HOUR & CO Creative Director Trent Barton said that as a Festival that showcased young and emerging artists, it was important to feature every artist equally.

“Visitors to the website will essentially be presented with a new interface each time - a lucky dip, which keeps the user experience interesting and upbeat. For the artists, it makes everyone a winner, ? Barton said.

The 2high Festival 2010 will be held on 12 and 13 November at Brisbane Powerhouse.

The full list of artists is now up on the 2high Festival website www.2highfestival.com.

You can also keep up-to-date with announcements on the official 2high Festival 2010 Facebook page, Twitter feed and the blog which can all be accessed through the website.