AAPPAC > AAPPAC Grant for Training Exchanges

AAPPAC Grant for Training Exchanges

AAPPAC > AAPPAC Grant for Training Exchanges
Overview

In line with AAPPAC’s mission to foster the development and growth of technical, administrative, and management skills and expertise available within the region, this Grant for Training Exchanges was launched in 2018 to support learning opportunities for arts professionals in member-centres. 

To date, the grant has supported six pairs of training exchanges involving staff from Cultural Center of the Philippines, Taipei Performing Arts Center, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, The Star Performing Arts Centre, National Theater and Concert Hall, Adelaide Festival Centre, Aichi Arts Center, New National Theatre Tokyo, Seoul Arts Center, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, and West Kowloon Cultural District Authority. 

Grant for Training Exchanges in 2027

APPLICATIONS FOR THE AAPPAC GRANT FOR TRAINING EXCHANGES IN 2027 ARE NOW OPEN!

We welcome all Full Member-centres to connect early and submit your joint applications by Fri, 30 Oct 2026. If you’d like the secretariat to connect you to other centres, please also feel free to reach out to us via email.

Please download the application form here and send the completed form to the AAPPAC Secretariat at aappac@esplanade.com.

Who Can Apply?
Two member-centres must agree to exchange staff for training, learning and development opportunities for specific periods in 2026. 

Both member-centres must be paid AAPPAC Full Members for at least 12 months prior to, and for the duration of the training exchange.  

The staff involved must be full time employees of the respective member-centres.  

How to Apply?
Both member-centres must complete a joint Application Form and send it to the AAPPAC Secretariat by 30 October 2026. The application deadline will not be extended. Late and/or incomplete submissions will not be accepted.

The Application Form will require the following information:

  • Details of Applicants including their CV/Resume and Bio 
  • Period of Exchange
  • Brief Description of Training Exchange
  • Learning Outcomes of Training Exchange
  • Total Cost of Training Exchange (E.g. Airfare, Accommodation, Visa)
What does the Grant Support?
For every successful application, the Grant will support 50% of the total supportable cost, capped at up to US$2,000 per member-centre. Supportable costs are for travel and hospitality such as return airfare, visa, travel insurance, accommodation, airport transfer and per diem for meals as well as daily commute. Expenses for entertainment, mobile data, laundry, phone calls, gifts etc. will not be supported.

Of note, the Grant will not support:

  • Training exchanges that have already commenced or taken place;
  • Conferences/seminars/talks, artist-in-residency programmes or masterclasses;

Disbursement is on a reimbursable basis by the Secretariat upon submission of supporting documents for the expenses and a report or presentation by both member-centres upon completion of the training exchange. 

Evaluation Criteria
The applications will be assessed by the AAPPAC Secretariat for validity and eligibility before an evaluation of its merits by the AAPPAC Executive Council (EXCO)

The EXCO will consider:

Alignment with AAPPAC’s Mission

The programme must be aligned to AAPPAC’s mission to establish Asia Pacific region as a leader in the performing arts industry; foster closer ties and better understanding amongst people of the region; promote the exchange of artistic programmes in arts centres as well as establish and provide an information network for arts centres and foster development and growth of technical, administrative and management skills and expertise within the region.  

Priority will be given to proposals which:

  1. involve member-centres from different countries
  2. involve member-centres who have not received the grant in the last two years
  3. reflect learning opportunities in shared areas of interest within the AAPPAC membership. This could include (but is not limited to):
    • Access and Inclusion
    • Arts & Technology
    • Audience Development
    • Environmental Sustainability
    • Producing for Regional Collaboration
Quality and Relevance of Programme

The programme should be well thought through and planned. It should also complement the framework of staff development or career progression in the member-centre.

Track Record and Potential of Staff

The programme should address a capability gap or need of the member-centre. The staff’s track record, potential and commitment to the member-centre or performing arts industry in the region should be demonstrated.

Priority will be given to proposals involving staff who have been in full time employment with the member-centre for more than two years.

Timeline & Deliverables
  • Apr – 30 Oct 2026: Call for Applications for AAPPAC Training Exchange Grant
  • 31 Oct – 30 Nov 2026: Assessment and Evaluation of Proposals by AAPPAC Secretariat and Executive Council (EXCO)
  • By 15 Dec 2026: Announcement of Grant Recipients / Awarding of Grant
  • Jan – Dec 2026: Proposed training exchange to take place. 

Grant recipients are expected to submit post-exchange reports to share their experiences and learnings upon completion of the training exchange. These reports may be tabled or presented for the membership’s information at the AAPPAC Annual General Meeting (AGM).