Sixty-two performing arts companies are set to impress a record number of 560 leading presenters from around the world at the 2008 Australian Performing Arts Market (APAM) in Adelaide this week.

More than 200 leading international and 360 Australian presenters, producers and promoters will attend APAM, the largest performing arts market in the southern hemisphere.

A key focus of this year’s APAM will be promoting Australian performing arts in Asian markets, with approximately 75 delegates registered from countries such as China, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan.

Australia Council for the Arts chief executive officer Kathy Keele said APAM was an important launching pad into the Asian region for Australian performing arts companies.

‘APAM is one of the most important events on the Australian performing arts calendar and a unique opportunity for local artists to showcase their wares for some of the world’s top international presenters,’ Kathy said.

‘This year we are aiming to build on the growing demand for Australian arts in key Asian markets, in particular China and South Korea.’

APAM will feature ‘spotlight’ staged excerpts of existing works, ‘searchlight’ pitches to provide a sneak-peek at new works, panel discussions, and a keynote address by Barrie Kosky – with tie-ins to the Adelaide Bank Festival of the Arts and Adelaide Fringe.

Some of Australia’s leading performing arts companies will pitch and present new works at APAM – including Company B, Australian Dance Theatre, Lucy Guerin, Australian Art Orchestra and Back to Back Theatre.

Kathy Keele noted that APAM in 2006 had produced some exciting touring outcomes for participating companies and presenters:’The last APAM gave impetus to international touring by companies such as Back to Back Theatre and Acrobat, and developed relationships that led to the recent Australia Festival in the US city of Pittsburgh.’

APAM will be held from 25 to 29 February 2008 at the Adelaide Festival Centre. It is presented by the Australia Council for the Arts and Arts SA, in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Adelaide Festival Centre.

Media contact: Andrew Parker 0402 936 466