2013-02-05
Presenters meet in New York
Despite the uncertain economy in the world today, the mood was decidedly upbeat at the annual Association of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP) conference in New York City, held over a five day period in mid January. The giant conference, whose title and theme was Imagine, attracted some 3500 registrants and a record number of 370 exhibitors, representing artists and performing groups in virtually every performing artistic discipline. Exhibitor booths were spread out over three floors of the conference site, the New York Hilton Hotel. In addiiton to the formal program attendees were treated to well over a thousand showcase performances. Two day-long pre-conference programs with sessions on such topics as economic realities, board orientation and youth and family programs, also were offered.
The diverse audience of attendees from throughout the world, including presenters, managers, artists, agents and students, were treated to a diverse roster of top speakers including artists, administrators and executives of leading organizations. Sessions included such topics as "Arts, Activism and the Great Convergence" with choreographer Liz Lerman as a speaker and "Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Presenting: Whats the Fit?" A closing plenary session featured noted Grammy Award composer and singer, Rosanne Cash. With a sizeable number of participants from throughout the world, the conference also included sessions of special international interest including "Nordic Update: Presenting Artists from and in the Nordic Region" and "International Cultural Engagement."
Conversations with several participants showed a generally positive look to the future although changes may be on the way. Arthur Shafman of AAArtists International said that with "new blood in music, the future looks only positive." Ellen Wettmark of the Swedish Arts Councxil thought that the poor economy has helped spur a new interest in the arts while Eric Williams, director of tour operations for Theatre IV, a division of the Virginia Repertory Theatre noted changes with a need to be aware of them. "Younger audiences are not attracted to what attracted me," he said.
APAP, which continues to play a key leadership role in its field, recently introduced a major, new initiative, Building Bridges: Campus Community Engagement," a grant Program, designed to encourage innovative and unconventional partnerships between higher education, communities and the performing arts. Looking ahead, APAPs president and CEO, Mario Garcia Durham, sees a focus on diversity, in every area of involvement, as a key to the presenting fields successful future.
More information: www.apap365.org
About the Author: Alvin H. Reiss has pioneered in the arts and other non-profit areas as educator, author, consultant and program innovator. He co-founded and edited Arts Management, Americas first journal for arts administrators, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2012. Contact: skipreiss@aol.com
by Alvin H. Reiss
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