The Australian Performing Arts Market (APAM) returns in 2018 as the leading internationally focused industry event for established and emerging contemporary performing artists in Australian and New Zealand.
Held over five days with over 145 events, APAM’s programme is packed full of performances, pitches, company booths and a whole host of industry connections catered to performing arts across dance, theatre, large-scale outdoor work, and music.
“It’s a really unique opportunity and brings together just over 1,200 participants including Australian and international delegates and artists, volunteers, media, where they kind of all merge here in Brisbane to view this amazing work,” APAM Executive Producer Zohar Spatz says.
'A Night Across Asia'“What’s super exciting about 2018 is that this is the first time we’ll make a selection of the programme available to Brisbane locals. In the past, it’s been a very industry-focused event, a delegate pass for some days, so very similar to a conference or an expo. With some of the best Australian and international work coming to Brisbane, we felt like we needed to go out with a bang and make it really accessible and available. So, we’ve selected five free events and activities, and then four ticketed theatre shows, mostly within Brisbane Powerhouse.”
Zohar says APAM is not only about the artists, but the connections with other artists from regional countries. “The most exciting work is coming out from Asia,” she says. “We’ve seen the delegations of artistic directions, executive directors and international delegates from Asia grow significantly in the times the event has been hosted in Brisbane. A real reflection of the growth and presentation of Australian works in Asia and visa-versa. We can see that in growing communities here in Brisbane. I think it’s super exciting because our small circle is growing deeper, and little platforms like these provide an opportunity for performers to get people interested in a potential project.”
'Between Tiny Cities' - Image © Thoeun Veassna
The APAM public programme is relatively easy to access, with tickets ranging from $25-$48. “People will get a chance to see everything from circus performances, physical theatre, dance, music, an awesome large-scale outdoor work that we get set up at the Powerhouse,” Zohar says. “It’s called ‘String Symphony’ and it’s a giant illuminated puppet held up by a kilometre worth of woven rope and LED lights. [The idea is that] the general public will pass by and end up manipulating and animating the puppets. We’ve [also] got a show out at Paddington State Park with skaters and BMX riders bringing a work out to the skate park and within the community. And we’ve also got a bunch of free nights at the Brisbane Powerhouse of music, dance, entertainment. A lot of this is also a performance platform for international performers to come into Brisbane, which is super exciting.”
All potential performing artists submit their proposals via application, either interested in pitching or performing their work. This can be done at one of the three venue locations – the Brisbane Powerhouse, QPAC, or Sofitel Brisbane Central. Zohar says there’s always a mixture of risk and chance when pitching, but as an opportunity for artists who are new to the community, it’s a great way to learn more about the industry.
The Original Peoples' Party“We get applications from artists across Australia,” she says. “And over the last three years, the process has been easier. We also have an ambassador programme where we invite about ten different producers and artists to come along to APAM and act in an ambassadorship role, look after the International delegate, play host. A conversation you start one year might turn into something else a few years later. You’ve got to make yourself visible, you’ve got to build your network.”
