September 28, 2011

14TH NEW ZEALAND PERFORMING ARTS MARKET ANNOUNCED FOR 5 & 6 MARCH 2012, WELLINGTON 

Details  have been announced for the 14th New Zealand Performing Arts Market – this exciting event is to be held in the heart of Wellington’s prestigious waterfront at the purpose-built Te Raukura – Te Wharewaka o Poneke, from 5 & 6 March 2012.

Registrations are currently open for both artists/producers (closing 25 November), and festivals/venues (closing 10 February).

The New Zealand Performing Arts Market is hosted once yearly by PANNZ (the Performing Arts Network of New Zealand) and provides a unique opportunity for presenters, venues and festivals to connect with artists, creators and producers.

The Market is New Zealand’s sole marketplace for the promotion of professional tour-ready dance, theatre and music productions. As well as a launching pad for finished works, it is an essential forum for building relationships, partnerships, and sharing seedling ideas that then develop into our shows of the future.

Attended by festival directors, venue managers, artists, producers and industry stakeholders, the Market is also a key opportunity for individuals and companies working in performing arts across Aotearoa to discuss and debate the issues facing our industry, and to build capacity within the sector.

Market Coordinator Mark Westerby says the Market has been growing steadily since it began in 1999 and that last years Market in Auckland drew record numbers. This year’s Market offers a professional but relaxed environment to introduce your company/production to potential partners and presenters. It is timed to coincide in Wellington with the New Zealand International Arts Festival and the Wellington Fringe Festival.

Programme highlights of the Market include:

Pitch Sessions, in which Artist/Producers have 15 minutes to profile their work (with audiovisual support) to an audience of festivals and venues. This is a curated programme of tour-ready work decided by selection panel. 

Breakfast of Bright Ideas, providing an opportunity for artists to introduce a new concept or work in development to a wider group. Presenters may identify projects to champion in future, or just enjoy a fun and creative start to their day. Length of presentations will be 2 – 4 minutes, pending the number of submissions. 

The Exhibition Space, which creates the opportunity for artists/producers and industry organisations to showcase themselves at display booths. Market catering is served in the Exhibition space, ensuring high visibility and foot traffic through this area. 

Workshops, a programme to share knowledge, diversify skills and build capability of the sector. This will include a walking tour of Wellington’s venues and panel or keynote discussions on key industry issues.

The New Zealand Performing Arts Market is happening in 2012 with the generous support of Creative New Zealand.

For more information, to register, or to pitch your work, go to www.pannz.org.nz
Or contact the PANNZ Co-ordinator:
Mark Westerby
Market Co-ordinator
PANNZ
PO Box 6513
Marion Square
Wellington 6011 
Office: 04 802 3960 
mark@pannz.org.nz