TNA presents the seventh Australian Performing Arts Forum: 13-15 September 2023 in Brisbane in association with Brisbane Festival and Brisbane Powerhouse.
About APAF
APAF is a biennial gathering for the national performing arts sector, including organisations and independents from theatre, dance, circus, and other live art forms. Produced by Theatre Network Australia (TNA), APAF (formerly known as ATF) has been taking place since 2009, hosting ~350 delegates from across Australia. Delegates can expect three days of insightful and relevant speakers and facilitated conversations, networking and socialising, and excellent catering. APAF prides itself on centring artists and responding to the current issues, needs and opportunities that are impacting our sector right now.
APAF 2023 will take place in Brisbane during the Brisbane Festival, September 13-15 at the Brisbane Powerhouse. It will be a great opportunity to connect in person with the rest of the sector, while enjoying the offerings of the festival and the balmy Queensland weather!
On behalf of the Board and Staff of TNA, we are excited to be hosting a much needed gathering in Meanjin on the lands of the Turrbal and Jagera people. We look forward to some good yarning and connecting.
– Erica McCalman, Chair, Theatre Network Australia
Do I go to APAF or APAX?
Both APAF and APAX are happening in Queensland this year, just a few weeks apart. Both are important events for the performing arts, but with very distinct purposes:
APAX is a national market development platform that includes a performing arts market and conference, presented by PAC Australia, the peak organisation for performing arts presenting. 28 Aug-1 Sep www.apax.org.au
APAF (this one!) includes broader conversations about cultural development and artistic creation, and is a forum not a market, presented by Theatre Network Australia, the peak organisation for contemporary performing arts practitioners and companies. 13-15 Sep www.apaf.com.au
We are in ongoing dialogue with our colleagues at PAC Australia so we can both be as clear as possible about our programs and where you’ll get the most benefit.
APAF Donors
Thank you to the individuals and organisations who have generously donated to support independent artists to attend APAF 2023.
All donations go towards supporting independent artists to attend APAF. Support is prioritised for artists facing barriers of access and equity and those from TNA’s target communities.
Thank you to donors:
Meg Upton, Lou Oppenheim, Nicole Beyer, Sue Giles, Melbourne Theatre Company, Arts Centre Melbourne, Auspicious Arts Projects, Polyglot Theatre, Monkey Baa Theatre Company, Australian Plays Transform, Jono Perry, Back to Back Theatre, Theatre Works, Anywhere Festival, Black Swan State Theatre Company.
Supporters
Along with the Brisbane Festival and Brisbane Powerhouse, APAF is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
Theatre Network Australia is assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body, and by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.
Independent delegates attending APAF have been supported by Arts South Australia, Arts Tasmania, Create NSW, Creative Victoria and the Regional Arts Fund.
