For the first time, a formal exchange program between Indigenous artists and professionals from Australia, New Zealand and Canada took place at the Australian Performing Arts Market (APAM), February 20 to 27, 2016 in Brisbane, Australia. The Audience and Market Development Office of the Canada Council is happy to have partnered with the Australia Council for the Arts to support this program.
APAM is Australia’s leading, internationally focused industry event for contemporary performing arts. It is an exciting showcase of Australian and New Zealand performing artists and companies which features full performances, excerpt and pitch sessions held over five days. The event welcomes over 600 delegates and provides an opportunity to exchange ideas, develop collaborations and network with national and international presenters, agents and influencers. The Official Program of APAM 2016 began on Monday 22 February and concluded on Friday 26 February 2016. For a snapshot of what performances took place at APAM 2016, view the Official Program Trailer.
As a complementary activity to APAM, the Australia Council for the Arts hosted two capacity-building programs for Indigenous theatre and dance artists and professionals from Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Both capacity building programs delivered market development skills in the context of cultural protocols and Indigenous arts production. The Boot Camp program (21 & 27 February 2016) was geared for those relatively new to the arts market and with limited experience of APAM. The First Nations Exchange (20, 21 & 27 February 2016) was geared for senior Indigenous presenters and producers who have an international track record and are keen to work in the area of exchange.
By all reports the experience was very inspiring, enriching, and memorable.