Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) welcomes you to AAPPAC 2023 – the 26th Association of Asia Pacific Performing Arts Centres (AAPPAC) conference.

This year’s focus Global Megatrends – Shaping Culture to 2040 takes as its starting point the 2022 CSIRO report Our Future World which identifies seven global megatrends set to influence the world over the next two decades. How will these megatrends intersect with arts and culture in the Asia-Pacific region? Taking place over three days, this important conversation will feature leading arts professionals, academics, scientists, and health practitioners.

Early bird discounts available for bookings made before Thursday, 3 August 2023.

Get your conference passes here today!

AAPPAC 2023 PROGRAMME (Download a copy of the programme here)

(Please note that the conference programme is still subject to changes)

Monday 4 September – Evening welcome function

Join your fellow delegates for a welcome drink and canapés on the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) Roof Terrace. Take a moment to enjoy the stunning Brisbane sunset and 360-degree panoramic views of the river city.

Tuesday 5 September – Conference Day 1

Welcome Address
Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony

Douglas Gautier AM (AAPPAC Chair and CEO and Artistic Director Adelaide Festival Centre) and John Kotzas AM (AAPPAC Executive Council Member and Chief Executive Queensland Performing Arts Centre) welcome delegates to Global Megatrends – Shaping Culture to 2040.

Session 1 | Keynote | Our Future World by Dr Stefan Hajkowicz (Principal Research Consultant at Data61, CSIRO)
What Comes Next?

This session will outline the origins and potential impacts of the seven global megatrends identified in CSIRO’s Our Future World report. This will be followed by an interactive workshop where delegates are invited to consider how these megatrends may affect their performing arts venues and the communities that surround them.

Interactive Workshop | Our Future World with CSIRO
Facilitated by Dr Stefan Hajkowicz (Principal Research Consultant at Data61, CSIRO)

Session 2 | Geopolitical Shifts
The Power of Culture, Policy and Diplomacy

As the world restitches the threads of global connectivity against a backdrop of changing geopolitical tensions and international relations, is the role of arts centres and national cultural policies shifting?

Session 3 | Increasingly Autonomous | Diving into Digital
The Ethics and Opportunities of Artificial Intelligence

The leap from science fiction to everyday life is gaining momentum and posing challenges around personal privacy, ethics, job redundancy, copyright and intellectual property. What are the implications for art makers, presenters and audiences?

Summary and wrap up

Drinks and performance

Wednesday 6 September – Conference Day 2

Session 4 | Adapting to a Changing Climate | Leaner, Cleaner and Greener
How Art and Arts Centres Reckon with the Climate Crisis

What can live performance do in the face of the defining issue of our time – the climate crisis? Great change needs more than policy and legislation, it requires a fundamental shift in our cultural narratives, making the role of performing arts critical in addressing our relationship with our environment.

First Nations Interactive Session

Session 5 | Unlocking the Human Dimension
Building Communities of Trust in the Arts Sector

Making and experiencing art is considered an inherently human endeavour, one that relies on collaboration and an aspiration to unlock meaning. Arts centres have a strong focus on engagement, communities and connection. In the current social and political landscape, how do we maintain audience trust and should performing arts centres do more to drive positive social change?

Session 6 | The Escalating Health Imperative
Arts Interventions, Community Health and the Wellbeing Economy

As governments and communities battle rising costs of healthcare there is an increasingly strong case for a focus on preventative health and social factors including connection, belonging and participation. There is a well established evidence base that art makes a positive contribution to our health and wellbeing. Hear from artists and companies across the region experimenting in this innovative space.

Presentation | QPAC’s New Venue

Summary and wrap up

Drinks and performance

Thursday 7 September – Conference Day 3

Breakout Sessions

• Global Collaborations: Creative Development and International Touring in a Reset World
• Cancel Culture: Programming, Audiences and Outrage

AAPPAC AGM / Business Circle Meeting

AAPPAC Connecting Series

The Connecting Series is AAPPAC’s annual pitch session which provides a platform for commissioning and an opportunity for new and existing works to find new collaborators and touring partners across AAPPAC’s extensive network.

Conference Wrap Up and Response

Join our Conference Rapporteur for a summary of three days of conversation.

AAPPAC Dialogue

Including Business Circle response and presentation from 2024 AAPPAC Conference Host Taipei Performing Arts Center.

Closing Reception

Friday 8 September – Optional Gold Coast Visit to Home of the Arts (HOTA)

Delegates can opt to join a tour of the Gold Coast’s Home of the Arts precinct, with bus transfers to and from the centre included.