02 Mar 2020
Several artists, producers and companies head to Melbourne this weekend for the Asia-Pacific Triennial of Performing Arts (Asia TOPA), where they will be hosted by Australia Performing Arts Market (APAM) in the first of a series of 2020 Gatherings.
Following the signing of a partnership with APAM in August last year, Creative New Zealand secured opportunities for New Zealand delegates to get the most out of this important platform for contemporary performing arts professionals in the Asia Pacific region.
APAM’s Gatherings are hosted events at established festivals across Australia. Combining elements of traditional performing arts markets with full-length public performances, they are designed to build greater opportunities for collaboration across the performing arts.
Asia TOPA is a festival celebrating Australia’s connections with contemporary Asia, and runs from 24 – 28 February 2020.
Opportunities include taking part in APAM’s First Timers Programme and First Nations Producers Programme.
New Zealand works have also been selected for APAM Profiles at the Gathering (the six artists and companies selected were announced in an earlier news item).
Black Ties, an immersive theatre experience created by Te Rēhia Theatre and ILBIJERRI Theatre Company, and supported by Creative New Zealand, is also part of Asia TOPA.
First Timers Programme
APAM’s First Timers mentorship programme matches market development experts with first-time attendees.
Successful New Zealand applicants:
- Alice Canton
- Sharu Delilkan
- Karin McCracken
- Tawera Ormsby
Mentees will receive guidance prior to and during the Gathering, to clarify their strategic market development goals and opportunities to connect with key national and international networks. Creative New Zealand has provided successful delegates with $2,000 towards registration and travel costs.
First Nations Producers Programme
APAM’s First Nations Producers Programme will bring together a network of national and international producers for knowledge-sharing and peer-networking opportunities. It includes a one-day intensive on 23 February 2020, followed by daily touchpoints throughout the APAM Gathering to offer both continued peer learning and support from experienced First Nations producers. Participants also have the opportunity to refine their market development plans in preparation for the APAM Gathering.
Creative New Zealand has supported six Māori producers or self-producing Māori artists, to participate:
- Jack Gray
- Tanemahuta Gray
- Tanea Heke
- Moss Patterson
- Kura Te Waati
- Cian White
Creative New Zealand supports each participant with $2,000 towards their registration and travel costs.
More information
Asia TOPA (Asia-Pacific Triennial of Performing Arts) – a festival celebrating Australia’s connections with contemporary Asia – provides a vibrant setting for the busy Gathering, which includes 16 Showcase works and events, 48 Profiles from Australian and New Zealand artists and companies and 8 events and visits hosted by local Melbourne players and venues, all alongside an exchange programme of talks, discussions and networking.
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