As ISPA prepares for its mid-year congress in Perth, its CEO David Baile shares insights into its theme, Breakthrough.
The International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) continues its 75th anniversary celebrations with its mid-year congress in Perth, Australia (30 April to 3 May). While recognised as the remotest capital city in the world, Perth boasts a truly impressive cultural infrastructure, both in terms of venues and artistic activity.
The theme of the congress, Breakthrough, speaks to the emergence of new ideas and approaches. Perhaps most intriguing is delegates being asked to envisage a reality of abundance. In a turnabout for a sector that is (in)famous for making do with less, this congress is asking delegates to envision a reality where resources are not scarce. Many of the conversations will be introduced by Creative Australia Deputy Chair, Wesley Enoch, Co-Chair of Annamila First Nations Foundation and former Artistic Director of the Sydney Festival (2017-20).
More than 330 delegates from 40 countries will descend on Perth to experience an almost festival-like offering of performances, talks, networking events and ancillary events. One of ISPA’s most popular programmes, Pitch New Works, offers delegates insight into 10 projects that are in development and/or have not yet toured internationally. Projects range from local Indigenous work to new projects from China and the United States.
ISPA’s upcoming conferences:
New York : 14-16 January, 2025
Lugano, Switzerland: 9-13 June, 2025
Singapore: 2026 (mid-season)
Uppsala, Sweden: 2027 (mid-season)
For more information, visit www.ispa.org/page/congress_per24