Taking place on the lands of the Wurundjeri/Woi Wurrung and Boon Wurrung Peoples of the Kulin Nation, the Australian Performing Arts Market (APAM) Gathering was held at Rising Melbourne from 14—18 June.
The event provided a special opportunity for around 500 delegates to participate in formal and informal networking, engage in dialogue and knowledge sharing, and make new national and international connections.
Executive Director Michelle Silby attended Gathering at Rising to represent Ausdance VIC. She said it was fantastic to receive updates on policy reviews, funding structures and future initiatives, see works-in-progress and connect with colleagues in-person after the long years of conducting business virtually.
The APAM Gathering this year was a time to renew our shared purpose in building the performing arts sector. The dialogue discussion panels were brilliant and having the time in between to talk and network face-to-face was incredible. Many key moments happened through casual interactions.
Michelle Silby
Collaborative Creativity
With many delegates travelling to Melbourne from Europe, the Americas and Asia for the Gathering, it was a great opportunity to foster collaborative and reciprocal relationships with our national and international colleagues. A meeting of national dance managers and artistic directors provided important reconnection between many and an opportunity to share after a long absence.
Gathering also presented a showcase of upcoming works, and works-in-progress, from various artists and companies. Hearing about what’s next for the performing arts market and showcasing works-in-progress is something Michelle believes to be incredibly beneficial and a powerful tool for both artist and audiences alike.
But the real strength of APAM is that it brings all of the broader performing arts community together to cross-fertilise ideas, thoughts and collaborations. Michelle observed that this was invaluable for all perspectives and participants.
It was fantastic to be among a crowd of performers, creatives, funders, producers, artists, venue managers and a great mix of people coming together in a melting pot of ideas.
Michelle Silby
We would like to extend our thanks to APAM and all the partners who made the Gathering possible and to everybody who travelled to Melbourne from around the world.
APAM is a strategic initiative of the Australia Council for the Arts, and delivered by Creative Victoria. In 2023, APAM partnered with Carbon Neutral to make Gathering at RISING a carbon-neutral event.
