Evaluation of Australian Performing Arts Market 2014-2018: Year Three Report

2018 marked the thirteenth edition of the Australian Performing Arts Market (APAM). It was the final delivery in a sequence of three iterations (2014, 2016 and 2018) for Brisbane Powerhouse in collaboration with key Brisbane stakeholders including Brisbane City Council, Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, Tourism and Events Queensland. Over time venue presenting partners have included Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts, The Queensland Conservatorium (Griffith University), and Gardens Point Theatre (Queensland University of Technology). APAM’s provision for showcasing performing arts product affords significant value for Australian Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists and companies who are selected to present as part of the program. APAM, through its dedication to formal and informal networking opportunities supports the development of co-commissioning partnerships for new works and in sparking the interest of other presenters. Brisbane Powerhouse has taken an iterative reflective practice cycle approach with its delivery of APAM that has resulted in a dynamic model that has been responsive to ongoing delegate feedback and to the changing understanding of the Market’s purpose. The reflection on the development of the delivery model by Brisbane Powerhouse and APAM staff has been supported with a rigorous longditudinal evaluation conducted by researchers from Queensland University of Technology’s Creative Industries Faculty. Throughout the delivery of three APAMs, Brisbane Powerhouse has been able to successfully respond both conceptually and operationally to the complex interweaving of priorities. This has nessisitated balancing the delivery of an effective Market which creates the environment for performance work to develop, as well as ensuring that the stakeholders see that their priorities are being addressed. This report is a consolidated narrative of research findings across 2014 to April 2018