The Australian Performing Arts Market (APAM) is a one-stop opportunity for the world's program-makers to experience the very best in new performing arts from the Australian region.

Held every two years in Adelaide, the 2008 APAM impressed delegates with the quality of Queensland artists.

Seven Queensland companies and artists had spotlight and searchlight programs at APAM 2008, from 25–29 February – the largest number of Queensland representatives in the market's eight-year history. The record turn out by Queensland artists highlights the state's growing international reputation for edgy and innovative performance – and our artists did not disappoint the 570 international and national delegates at the largest performing arts trade fair in the southern hemisphere.

Queensland artists who performed were: dancer and choreographer Clare Dyson; Splintergroup, which includes Dancenorth's artistic director Gavin Webber; musician and instrument maker Linsey Pollak; Strut & Fret's Tom Tom Club; award-winning physical theatre company Circa; multi-media focused Arts Asia Pacific; and Townsville's Mabo Dance Company.

Lewis Jones, Executive Producer of Circa, which had a showcase at APAM, said: "APAM was a great networking opportunity. It was great to be able to have face-to-face discussions with overseas promoters and presenters and our agent. There was networking on all different levels and it was fantastic to see all the other companies – what they were doing both artistically and in generating interest in their work."

Splintergroup, performed Roadkill, which was produced by Dancenorth and Brisbane Powerhouse. Joanne Fisher, general manager of Townsville-based Dancenorth, said APAM had "propelled Dancenorth to a new level".

"It has created a brand awareness and helped us see where we sit as a company," she says. "We came away with a head full of ideas on the way forward. We had interest from 13 countries including Canada, France, Sweden, Germany, Britain, New Zealand, Slovakia and Australia."

Mark Bromilow and Arts Asia Pacific, whose production of The Window was showcased at APAM, is organising an Asian tour after interest from China. The Brides of Frank who performed at the Adelaide Fringe, has interest from the UK in their work while Linsey Pollack's production, Cycology, is looking at a Vancouver showcase and tour.

Indigenous choreographer Gail Mabo's pitch for her production Koiki caused a stir at APAM with her session ending in an offer of $6000 for project development. There was great goodwill towards her work from the market delegates.

Arts Queensland played a pivotal role in showcasing Queensland artists at APAM. It had a booth branded Made In Queensland, which was a great place for Queensland artists to catch up and for delegates to find out information on Queensland artists and companies.

Arts Queensland also hosted a cocktail reception which featured an exciting performance of an excerpt from Nightcafé by Dancenorth.

Queensland also had a strong presence at the Adelaide Fringe Festival with The Brides of Frank, Kate Miller-Heidke, Polytoxic, Amanda-Lyn Pearson, Fourplay, the nest, Sean Choolburra, Aaron O'Brien, flipside circus and Melissa Western.

See the program (PDF 20KB) for more information on the performers.