Australian Performing Arts Market to be held in Western Australia in 2026, 2028 and 2030

Creative Australia has announced that 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 to 2030). 

The agreement will see APAM take place in Perth in 2026 (for the first time ever), 2028 and 2030, connecting contemporary Australian theatre, dance, emerging and experimental art with national and international opportunities.

The Western Australian Department of Local Government, Sport and Creative Industries (DLGSC) will match Creative Australia’s commitment through a multi-year strategic investment. 

Announcing the appointment, Creative Australia Chief Executive, Adrian Collette advised "we are pleased to appoint PAC Australia to deliver the next three editions of APAM.

“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.”

Western Australia Minister for Culture and the Arts, David Templeman added "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. 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.”

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 will share more information about the vision for the next six years of APAM once the new contract commences later this year.

This year's Australian Performing Arts Exchange will be held in Melbourne from 19th to 23rd August.

Image credit: Skills Active.