ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Australian Producers Assess Asia Pacific Touring Prospects Amid Regional Challenges

market-auction · 2026-03-24

Australian performing arts producers are exploring increased engagement with Asia Pacific markets while navigating post-pandemic recovery and economic uncertainties. At the Australian Performing Arts Market in Perth this February, Asian delegates comprised approximately 30% of international attendees, signaling growing regional connections. Cultural agency Turning World, led by Kate Ben-Tovim and Tam Nguyen, notes government initiatives like the Invested 2040 strategy and the ASEAN-Australia Centre are fostering creative industry ties. However, companies like CDP Theatre Producers report ongoing challenges in markets such as China, where audience recovery from COVID-19 disruptions remains slow. Producers emphasize the importance of international touring for sustaining artistic works despite financial risks.

Key facts

  • The Australian Performing Arts Market in Perth saw significant Asian delegate participation in February.
  • Government strategies like Invested 2040 aim to boost creative industry ties with Southeast Asia.
  • Cultural agency Turning World conducts scoping trips to map partnership opportunities in Southeast Asia.
  • CDP Theatre Producers has faced commercial challenges in China due to slow post-COVID audience recovery.
  • Producers highlight the need for government support to maintain international touring viability.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • CDP Theatre Producers
  • Turning World
  • Australian Performing Arts Market
  • ASEAN-Australia Centre
  • Creative Australia

Locations

  • Perth
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Taiwan
  • Indonesia
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • Malaysia
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam
  • Hong Kong
  • Australia

Sources