Australian Performing Arts Market 2014 Runs 18-22 in Brisbane

The Australian Performing Arts Market (APAM) 2014 is the premier biennial industry event for contemporary performing arts in the Asia Pacific region.

From 18 - 22 February over 600 delegates from 31 countries will be warmly welcomed on to country through song, story, dance and the ritual of a smoking ceremony paying respects to our ancestors and custodians and celebrating living culture.

Over 50 different artists and companies representing circus, dance, music, opera, theatre and puppetry will present or pitch their work to festival directors, venue managers and program executives from around the world in a quest to find touring partners and investors to take their shows to audiences in Australia and overseas.

In addition to providing the premier platform for Australian and New Zealand contemporary performing arts companies and artists to build international and national tours, APAM champions the ongoing exchange of ideas and dialogue.

It is through this philosophy The Exchange Program was born - a focused program of conversation, dialogue, networking opportunities and engagement with our diverse global sector which will begin with the Keynote hosted by SBS TV's Insight host Jenny Brockie.

Brockie will lead a dynamic panel of international artists and arts leaders including Founder of Arts Network Asia (ANA) Ong Keng Sen (Singapore) and Chris Saines (Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane) in a lively discussion and engage with pertinent questions such as; how does the Australian creative arts reflect or shape our collective identity, and how can we best forge collaborative partnerships into the future?

This topic will be explored further at the Lunchtime Panel Sessions with delegates such as Asa Richardsdottir (Performing Arts Iceland) and Willie White (Dublin Theatre Festival & IETM international network for performing arts) offering their international perspectives. Kris Stewart (Artistic Director, Brisbane Powerhouse) will also host a series of Round Table Sessions co-presented by Arts Queensland that offer opportunities to discover more about specific regions, countries and touring networks.

APAM 2014 further sees a more holistic approach to integrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art into the program.

After the Welcome to Country protocol, APAM 2014 begins with the ritual of Ceremony; smoking and cleansing, preparing country and paying respect to our ancestors and custodians who maintained this land for many thousands of years, and continue to do so today. Delegate will also have the opportunity to engage in a self-curated exhibition experience with proppaNOW arts collective and the Jungah Weavers.

Blak: the Art of Language will consider how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists create work that is uniquely and distinctly Blak (Australian Aboriginal) in the 21st century. With discussions ranging from The Black Theatre originating during the civil rights movement in Australia and evolving into the work we see now such as CORANDERRK (ILBIJERRI Theatre Company), Wulamanayui and the Seven Pamanui (Tiwi Island children's theatre), to the politics ok skin colour, and Aboriginality.

Long term APAM supporter Robyn Archer AO returns as moderator for the Pitch Sessions -15-minute slots which unearth the breadth of works currently in development - ranging from recreations of old favourites to innovative music and theatrical collaborations.

Brisbane Powerhouse will be the home for all APAM activities with additional events being held across a network of local venue partners including the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University and QUT Gardens Theatre.

To celebrate its new location in Brisbane and the number of partner venues involved, APAM 2014 will also feature mobile booths allowing artist, companies, collectives and funding agencies to promote their work alongside APAM as it happens around the city.

APAM 2014 is presented by the Australia Council for the Arts in partnership with Brisbane Powerhouse. Brisbane City Council is the principal supporter of APAM. The Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Tourism and Events Queensland, proudly support APAM 2014, 2016 and 2018.

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