February 10, 2012

APAM TO CONNECT NZ ARTS COMPANIES WITH THE WORLD   

Performing arts companies from New Zealand(Spinning Sun, Atamira Dance Company, Jumpboard Productions) are among the 50-strong company line-up that will showcase their talents at the 10th Australian Performing Arts Market (APAM) to be held in Adelaide later this month.

Dance theatre company Spinning Sun, a local and international provider of contemporary dance performances and workshops, will present Shine Lady as part of the Spotlight program.

Spinning Sun Artistic Director and Choreographer, Ann Dewey, who is attending APAM for the first time, says she recognises that performing at the Market brings opportunities.

“It can be difficult for international producers to get toNew Zealandto see our work so APAM provides us with the opportunity to get in front of them,” Ann said. “Live performances always attract more interest from prospective buyers because they are able to capture the show’s energy. I’d really like to build long term relationships this year and possibly secure a touring deal inAustraliaorAsia,” she said.

Showcasing Australian andNew Zealandperforming arts companies over five days, the sold out event will host more than 600 delegates from over 29 countries around the globe.

The Australia Council’s perspective

Australia Council for the Arts CEO Kathy Keele said APAM is one of the key events for the Australian performing arts sector, enabling artists and arts companies to make long lasting relationships with peers from all over the world.

“APAM is an intensive experience for all delegates as they explore great contemporary performing arts work. APAM is also a platform for lasting exchange, friendship and business relationships,” said Ms Keele. “The hotbed of relationship building that happens at APAM ensures more people in more places can access great Australian art.

“I’m particularly pleased that this year’s APAM has the highest ever number of Indigenous works in its program, providing a unique edge to what is already a highly sought after event in the international arts calendar,” she concluded.

A delegate’s perspective

This year’s market will be attended by international representatives from Edinburgh International Festival (Scotland), TRAFÓ (Hungary), Holland Dance Festival (The Netherlands), Sadler’s Wells (UK), Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (USA), Under the Radar Festival at the Public Theater (USA), Festival Internacional de Buenos Aires (Argentina) and The Esplanade (Singapore).

Gie Baguet, General Manager ofBelgium’s Frans Brood Productions, who has attended all ten APAMs, believes the Market has launched local, Australian andNew Zealand artists onto the international stage.

“APAM always features high calibre artists and shows for which there is a strong demand in Europe,” Mr Baguet said. “I have toured more than ten Australian companies in the last 20 years, including Australian Dance Theatre, Strange Fruit, Stalker Theatre Company, Marrugeku, Cantina, 5 Angry Men and Chrome.

“This year I’m particularly keen to see dance and open-air performances,” he concluded.

The 2012 APAM program includes:

• • Spotlight Performances – 19 companies showcasing 25-minute excerpts and 14 companies presenting full-length productions.
• • Searchlight Pitch Sessions – 17 companies pitching exciting new works in development.
• • On Display Booths – more than 40 performing arts companies and organisations promoting their work and arts services in a lively trade fair.
• • G’day Mate – an introduction to a number of exciting Australian performing arts companies and their current projects.

New Zealandarts companies presenting at APAM 2012 include:

• • Spotlight Performances – Spinning Sun
• • Searchlight Pitch Sessions – Atamira Dance Company and Jumpboard Productions
• • On Display Booths – Arts Council of New Zealand representing Creative New Zealand, Atamira Dance Company, Cuba Creative, Death and the Dream Life of Elephants, Java Dance Company, Jumpboard Productions, Massive Company, Red Leap Theatre, Spinning Sun, Tawata and Te Matatini.

APAM 2012 will be held at the Adelaide Festival Centre from Sunday 26 February to Thursday 1 March 2012.

ABOUT AUSTRALIAN PERFORMING ARTS MARKET

The 10th Australian Performing Arts Market is supported by the Australia Council for the Arts in collaboration with the Government of South Australia through Arts SA. It is presented in association with the Adelaide Festival and the Adelaide Fringe, and proudly hosted by the Adelaide Festival Centre. APAM has been produced by Arts Projects Australia since 1998. For further information go to www.performingartsmarket.com.au

Registrations for APAM have now sold out.