PAC Australia’s News
In May 2024, PAC Australia was appointed by Creative Australia to deliver the Australian Performing Arts Market (APAM) under a six-year contract from 2025 to 2030. APAM gatherings will be held in Perth, Western Australia, in 2026, 2028, and 2030, offering a platform for contemporary Australian theatre, dance, and experimental art to connect with national and international opportunities. The Western Australian Government’s Department of Local Government, Sport and Creative Industries (DLGSC) will match Creative Australia’s commitment through a multi-year strategic investment.
PAC Australia is currently recruiting for a Head of Market Development to lead the implementation of its core market development initiatives, including APAM. Stay tuned for more exciting updates on APAM in the coming months.
Additionally, PAC Australia recently hosted its largest ever APAX 2024 in Naarm/Melbourne, attracting a record 460+ delegates from across Australia for a week of connection, provocation, reflection and further thinking.
APAX 2024
Reflecting on the event’s success, PAC Australia’s Executive Director, Katherine Connor, said, “The combination of bold provocations and collegial connections united attendees in a way that can only happen when you’re in the same space, building understanding and support for one another’s contexts.”
As part of APAX, delegates visited the newly developed Geelong Arts Centre for a day of deeper conversation, showcases, and artistic exploration. The day culminated in the national IMPACT Awards, where PAC Australia awarded Geelong Arts Centre the Performing Arts Centre of the Year award.
Geelong Arts Centre
Geelong Arts Centre was bestowed the award for their demonstrated commitment to the arts, community engagement, accessibility, and artistic excellence. Their transformative redevelopment co-designed with ARM Architects, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, and the wider First Nations community, as well as leading inclusive initiatives, and collaborations have positioned them as the leading arts centre in the Geelong and surrounding region. Their Creative Engine programme is a groundbreaking programme fostering pathways for local creatives to professional artistic practice through funding opportunities, workshops, professional development, networking and events.
IMPACT Awards
Katherine Connor said, “it is an honour to celebrate the IMPACT Awards here at the stunning Geelong Arts Centre – especially as we recognise their remarkable achievement as Performing Arts Centre of the Year.”