Australian Performing Arts Exchange heads to Cairns

APAX - the Australian Performing Arts Exchange - the national market and professional development gathering for performing arts workers to develop tours and cultivate the relationships that deliver presentation outcomes for audiences and communities the nation, is counting down to its hosting in Cairns from 28th August to 1st September 2023, with an online Advance Pitching Program on Thursday 17th August 2023.

Since its inception, APAX has delivered transactional market environments to a focussed, relationship-based platform which prioritises connecting presenters, producers, and artists so that the right work reaches the right audience, at the right time.

Alongside a range of pitching, showcasing and networking opportunities, APAX supports the professional development of delegates, showcases sector innovation and best practice and supports industry renewal through knowledge exchange.

APAX three event presentation will begin with the Advance Pitching Program online, followed by the in-person Arts Market and Conference.

Opening the Conference on Thursday 31 August will be a panel discussion from the co-creators of Dungarri Nya Nya Ngarri Bi Nya (now we have arrived).

A ground-breaking celebration of First Nations culture from across the North Queensland region, Dungarri Nya Nya Ngarri Bi Nya was developed over 2020 and 2021 by Indigenous groups - the Wulgurukaba Walkabouts, Big Eye Theatre Dancers (Mala Jina Waran and Mala Jina Jalbu), Komet Torres Strait Islander Art and Culture, Sambo Productions - came together for the first time in decades to connect, collaborate and co-create a new performance work alongside Dancenorth Australia, commissioned and presented by the North Australian Festival of the Arts (NAFA) in Townsville/Gurambilbarra.

In this opening address, delegates will hear from Aunty Rosalind Sailor, Aicey Day and Ashley Saltner Jnr, discussing how this project resulted in a highly visible cross-cultural celebration of creativity and collaboration, and how the legacy of the work continues to breathe life and build community strength.

Registrations for the APAX Conference is now open with early bird rates available until 28th July 2023.

Key APAX Dates

• Early Bird Registrations close: 28th July 2023

• APAX Advance Pitching Program (online): Thursday 17th August 2023

• APAX Arts Market: Monday 28th (evening event), Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th August 2023

• APAX Conference: Thursday 31st August to Friday 1st September 2023

Click here for more information in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Image: Dungarri Nya Nya Ngarri Bi Nya - Dancenorth Australia. Credit: Amber Haines/Dancenorth.