Creative Australia has announced the next three editions of the Australian Performing Arts Market (APAM) will be held in Western Australia.
Supported by the Western Australian Government, PAC Australia, the national peak body for performing arts centres, presenters and producers across Australia, has been appointed to deliver APAM under a six-year contract (2025 – 2030).
“We are pleased to appoint PAC Australia to deliver the next three editions of APAM,” said Creative Australia CEO, Adrian Collette AM. “Our research underscores APAM’s significance within the Australian performing arts community, as a place to connect with national and international colleagues; to engage in conversations about artistic practice; build awareness of their work; find opportunities to buy, sell, exchange, and collaborate; and to keep up to date with current trends in the performing arts.”
APAM will take place in Perth, Western Australia in 2026, 2028 and 2030, connecting contemporary Australian theatre, dance, emerging and experimental art with national and international opportunities. This is the first time APAM will be hosted by Western Australia.
The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) will match Creative Australia’s commitment through a multi-year strategic investment. “For the first time in APAM’s 30-year history, it will be in WA, and we are excited and proud it will be hosted in Boorloo / Perth for the next three editions until 2030,” said Western Australia Minister for Culture and the Arts, David Templeman.
“Hosting the event will not only showcase WA’s best artistic offerings and its unique cultural identity but also highlight the infrastructure available to national and international producers. The State Government’s $250,000 per annum contribution over six years is an investment in the performing arts industry that will provide a legacy for the culture of Perth city for years to come.”
“This major investment will deepen Western Australia’s arts and cultural profile and will create significant opportunities for international exchange by hosting one of the largest performing arts markets in the Asia-Pacific region; aligning with our Asia engagement strategy,” said Mr Templeman.
APAM was established by the Australia Council for the Arts (now Creative Australia) in 1994 as a platform to increase international and national touring opportunities for Australian contemporary performing arts groups and artists.
Since its inception, APAM has grown from 200 participants in its first year to a thriving international marketplace of more than 1200 participants from all around the world.
Creative Australia, the DLGSC and PAC Australia look forward to sharing more information about the vision for the next six years of APAM once the new contract commences later this year. For more information, visit: www.creative.gov.au for details.
Image: PAC Australia’s 2023 Australian Performing Arts Exchange (APAX) – photo by Alex Sibbison