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Queensland’s performing arts showcased to the world

Queensland is the hub for up to 1200 delegates from 39 countries with the 2018 Australian Performing Arts Market (APAM) taking place in Brisbane this week.

Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch welcomed APAM, Australia’s largest internationally focused trade-market for contemporary performing arts, back to Brisbane for its third consecutive outing.

“The Queensland Government is a key funding partner in hosting the bi-annual APAM, an event which has helped to generate interest and opportunities for Queensland-based performing arts companies in markets across the globe,” Ms Enoch said.

“APAM will host more than 265 Australian and New Zealand artists and companies presenting or pitching their productions to international festival directors, agents, venue managers and program executives looking for innovative and evocative new work.

“APAM 2018 will focus on First Nation culture, showcasing the unique songs, stories and dance of more than 100 First Nations artists from Australia, Canada, Guåhan, New Zealand, Norway, Taiwan and the USA.”

Minister Enoch praised the many Queensland companies, productions and artists presenting at APAM 2018.

The Spirit of Churaki, commissioned and produced by Bleach* Festival, is a production inspired by the story of a Goodjingburra man heralded as the Gold Coast’s first surf lifesaver. This will also soon debut at Festival 2018 the arts and cultural program of the Commonwealth Games.

Charismatic Torres Strait actor Jimi Bani will feature in the Queensland Theatre production of My Name is Jimi, a big hit at the 2018 Sydney Festival last month following its 2017 premiere in Cairns.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musician Jessie Lloyd, originally from Far North Queensland, will present the Mission Songs Project – 1957 Palm Island Strike with the songs and stories, illuminating an important chapter of Australian history.

APAM 2018 will also feature Queensland-based companies Casus Circus and Dancenorth, performers Leah Shelton and Thomas E.S. Kelly, while BlakDance will provide training opportunities for new and emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander producers, an initiative funded through the Queensland Government’s Queensland Arts Showcase Program (QASP).

“On behalf of the Queensland Government I acknowledge the incredible work of our performing arts community,” Ms Enoch said.

“APAM opens many doors and I know our artists will make the most of this opportunity to showcase their work and make valuable industry connections,” Ms Enoch said.

For APAM 2018 program details and tickets visit www.performingartsmarket.com.au.