APAM 2006 opens on Monday 27 February with a keynote address in the Dunstan Playhouse, then the discussion continues in the 3 Forums, all held in the cool surrounds of the Piano Bar.

The APAM Forums provide an opportunity to reflect upon both the current state of performing arts practice in Australia and its international relevance and upon trends and experiences – be they artistic, audience-related or in the broader cultural context for agencies, organisations, festivals and individuals engaged in the creation, presentation and touring of performing arts activities.

Keynote Address, Daring within, Monday 27 February, 1330-1430, Dunstan Playhouse
Shadows are made of absence yet they vouch safe existence itself. In an era where the great moral questions are truly global – and even the most local concerns need global assurances – theatre must be continually empowered to box its own shadows without begrudging its powers of metaphor in favour of presenting sentiment and protest as actualised truth.  
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Stephen Armstrong is Executive Producer of Malthouse Theatre, a producing and presenting company which manages and programs three theatres in CBD Melbourne. Malthouse Theatre has a deep commitment to the creation and presentation of contemporary Australian theatre (in all its guises) as well as partnering and collaborating with national and international artists and organisations. Stephen has an ongoing relationship as Artistic Consultant for the London International Festival of Theatre and is Deputy Chair of Chunky Move and Risingtide. Previous positions include Artistic Associate, Sydney Theatre Company; General Manager, Queensland Theatre Company; founding General Manager, ChamberMade Opera; and General Manager, Handspan Theatre. Stephen was the founding Chair of the Australia Council’s Hybrid and New Media Arts Funds and is a regular arts and culture writer, broadcaster and commentator.

The keynote address will be facilitated by Brett Sheehy, Artistic Director, 2006 and 2008 Adelaide Bank Festival of Arts.


Forum 1, International Touring, Tuesday 28 February, 0930-1030, Piano Bar
International touring from regional perspectives – speakers will discuss touring Australian performing arts in Asia, Europe and the UK, and America.

Facilitator: Kristy Edmunds, Director, Melbourne International Arts Festival 2005, 2006 and 2007

Speakers:
Jennifer Barry, Director, Keep Breathing, Daryl Buckley, Artistic Director, ELISION Ensemble,
Sandra Collins, Business Manager, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Lee-Anne Donnolley, International Touring Manager, Australian Dance Theatre, Rosemary Hinde, Managing Director, Hirano Productions, Debra King, Project Manager, Undergrowth, Australia Council
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Forum 2, Indigenous Culture, Tuesday 28 February, 1600-1700, Piano Bar
There are many performing arts companies drawing on Indigenous cultures – in this Forum the complex issues of creativity, culture and commerce will be discussed by representatives from companies based in Australian and New Zealand Indigenous cultures.

Facilitator: Lydia Miller, Executive Director, Australia Council’s Aboriginal and Torres Islander Arts Board.

Speakers:
Raymond Blanco, General Manager, Kooemba Jdarra, Grant Hanson, Manager, Songlines,
Grace Hoet, Toi Ake Advisor, Creative New Zealand, Rhoda Roberts, Artistic Director, Woodforde Folk Festival

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Forum 3, The Role of Arts Centres in Supporting Arts Development, Thursday 2 March, 0930-1030, Piano Bar
As producer presenters, Arts Centres play a significant role in developing theatre, dance and music performance. These speakers from the UK, Canada, the US and Australia have considerable experience in developing and commissioning new work. APAM thanks Philip Rolfe, Executive Producer of the Sydney Opera House, for curating this session.

Facilitator: David Pledger, Artistic Director, Not Yet It’s Difficult

Speakers:
Julia Carruthers, Head of Dance and Performance, Royal Festival Hall, UK, Lane Czaplinski, Artistic Director, On the Boards, US Sue Hunt, Director Performing Arts, Sydney Opera House, Australia, Tina Rasmussen, Director, Theatres Program, Harbourfront, Canada
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