International

Vivienne Wong for The Australian Ballet in Japan Photo: Lisa Tomasetti

Why tour overseas?

Australia's reputation as a creative and dynamic nation is closely tied with achievement in the arts and culture as well as in science and education.

However, recent research by Austrade shows that Australia’s reputation in the international market is largely about lifestyle, landscape and fun.

That is why it is so important for our major performing arts companies to tour overseas. International touring promotes Australia’s standing as a stable, sophisticated and creative nation with a diverse culture. It opens up new markets for Australian cultural exports and promotes Australian tourism and education.

What is AMPAG doing?

AMPAG is working with Austrade to promote Australia’s ‘brand’ and to broaden its reputation by highlighting our member companies’ achievements and plans.

With the costs of travel so high for Australian based companies AMPAG continues to seek new investment in international touring support from the Federal Government targeting the Department of Foreign Affairs and other departments. In the lead up to the Federal election in August 2010 AMPAG joined with Live Performance Australia (LPA) and the Australian Performing Arts Centres Association (APACA) calling for an additional investment of $10 million per year for three years to support international performing arts touring.

AMPAG is also involved in the Australian Coalition for Cultural Diversity (ACCD) which is a member of the International Federation of Coalitions for Cultural Diversity (IFCCD). The IFCCD supports the UNESCO convention on cultural diversity, to which Australia is a signatory. The convention, and the IFCCD, guard against governments liberalising the exchange of goods and services in cultural sectors, which could be contemplated during bilateral, regional or international trade negotiations. In short it protects our cultural intellectual property.

Online resource helps with red tape

The Australia Council has developed an online resource for performing arts companies touring internationally, focusing on the regions identified by Australian and New Zealand performing arts companies as high priorities. It eases the process of applying for visas and complying with taxation regulations. Find out more by downloading:
International Visas and Taxation: a Guide for Performing Arts Organisations in Australia and New Zealand.

Who’s going where?

The 28 major performing arts companies performed 114 times in 18 countries in 2010 including Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Holland, Australia, England, Scotland, United States of America, Japan, China, France and Slovenia.

Go to our International Touring page for more information on who’s going where overseas.