Here you will find press releases for APAP's year-round programs and grants as well as APAP|NYC conference press releases.
Are you a member of the media and interested in contacting APAP? Email us at media@apap365.org.10.17.24 APAP announces 2025 UP NEXT! artists. 18 artists will pitch new, diverse, exciting, tour-ready works at the UP NEXT! Artist Pitch Session at the APAP|NYC 2025 conference.
9.4.24 APAP releases Arts Compensation Project Data and Trend Report. National performing arts industry organization shares key findings on salaries and compensation.
1.16.24 APAP|NYC 2024 Attracts Largest Attendance Post-Covid, Reaffirming Its Status As The World’s Most Influential Gathering Of Performing Arts Professionals. Live appearances by Terence Blanchard, Mandy Gonzalez, John Cameron Mitchell, and Sasha Velour inspire attendees, along with 1000-plus performing arts showcases throughout NYC from January 12-16.
11.30.23 Nine emerging Classical Music standouts are selected to perform at YPCA's 27th Annual Showcase at Carnegie Hall on Monday, January 15, 2024. Young Performers Career Advancement Program’s showcase is an important launchpad for artists during APAP|NYC 2024—the world’s most influential annual gathering of performing arts professionals.
11.2.23 APAP announces UP NEXT! artists for 2024. 18 artists will pitch new, diverse, exciting, tour-ready works at the UP NEXT! Artist Pitch Session on Friday, January 12 at the APAP|NYC 2024 conference (January 12-16, 2024).
8.11.23 Enrollment for the APAP Arts Compensation Project is now open. The new platform will give presenting organizations and venues access to contribute to and search real-time data on staffing, compensation and benefits. The industry initiative is an important step in a movement towards pay transparency and equity.
12.20.22 APAP|NYC+ 2023 Speakers include U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, NEA Chair Maria Rosario Jackson. APAP announces program highlights for APAP|NYC+ 2023, January 13-17. The world's leading performing arts conference returns in person for first time since 2020.
12.15.22 JanArtsNYC Returns, Celebrates 10th Anniversary. The Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) is proud to announce the full slate of programming for JanArtsNYC, the annual collection of world-class public performances and innovative industry gatherings taking place throughout the month of January at various NYC venues.
12.8.22 APAP|NYC+ 2023 Showcases New Class of Emerging Classical Music Stars. As part of the Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) annual conference, nine exceptional young classical music artists and ensembles will be showcased at a free concert at Carnegie Hall's Weill Hall on Monday, January 16, as part of APAP’s Young Performers Career Advancement Program (YPCA). The 2023 newly-announced participants – Kebra-Seyoun Charles, Alexander Hersh, Eleni Katz, and KOE Duo – will be joined by performers Balourdet Quartet, Dominic Cheli, Francisco Fullana, SooBeen Lee, and Gabriel Martins, who were originally scheduled to appear in the canceled 2022 showcase.
6.27.22 The Association of Performing Arts Professionals Debuts Bold New Podcast: "ARTS. WORK. LIFE." The Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) announced today the premiere of "ARTS. WORK. LIFE." on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. Framed by the last two-plus years—which saw the pandemic, the call for racial reckoning, and the great resignation—the new podcast features bold, untold stories directly from performing arts workers about what it is like to be an arts worker in this unique moment.
5.24.22 Jawole Jo Willa Zollar, Janet Cowperthwaite, YoungArts, Lori Lea Pourier, and Torya Beard honored at 2022 APAP Awards. Today, the Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) announced the recipients of the 2022 APAP Awards---artists, advocates, visionaries and leaders---both individuals and organizations---at The APAP Honors online event. APAP and the Creative & Independent Producer Alliance (CIPA) also revealed the inaugural awardee of the new CIPA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Creative Producing.
5.6.22 APAP announces nominees for 2022 APAP Awards. The APAP Honors to celebrate the performing arts workforce on May 24. The Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) announced today the nominees for its APAP Awards. APAP will recognize the nominees and announce the final award recipients at The APAP Honors, as well as celebrate the recipients of the Annual NAPAMA Award, the Halsey and Alice North Award for APAP Board Alumni, and for the first time, an award from the Creative & Independent Producer Alliance (CIPA).
3.15.22 Association of Performing Arts Professionals awards over $2 million to artists and presenters to support reopening of the performing arts industry. APAP to distribute $2,065,000 in grants through its ArtsForward program; performing artists to receive over $1 million. The Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) is pleased to announce that it has awarded $2.065 million from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to artists and presenters through Arts
Forward, a new program to support the performing arts field’s safe, vibrant, and equitable reopening and recovery. As venues reopen, tours resume, and audiences reconnect, these grants will fuel collaborations between APAP presenter members and partnering artists/ensembles.
1.21.22 APAP President and CEO Lisa Richards Toney named a Kennedy Center "Next 50". New initiative celebrates cultural leadership with 50 trailblazing leaders and organizations guiding society and the next generation into the future. Joining a list of luminaries that includes dancer/choreographer Camille A. Brown, comedian/actor Vir Das, poet Amanda Gorman, world cup champion Megan Rapinoe, and musician esperanza spalding, Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) President and CEO Lisa Richards Toney was named among a who's-who of cultural leaders who exemplify the Kennedy Center’s mission to help shape culture and society through the arts—with integrity, creativity, empathy, and artistic excellence.
1.18.22 10 Takeaways from APAP|NYC+ 2022, the Association of Performing Arts Professionals Annual Convening. Performing Arts Professionals Talk Disruption, Community, Transformation, and Sustainability. This past weekend, the Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) concluded its all-online conference, APAP|NYC+. The all-online format lent itself to candid community conversations around major topics facing the performing arts sector.
1.6.22 The All-Online Edition of APAP|NYC+ 2022, the Association of Performing Arts Professionals’ 65th Annual Global Gathering of the Performing Arts Industry Kicks Off January 10, 2022. The Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) today announced programming updates for its newly all-online APAP|NYC+ 2022, the world’s leading global performing arts gathering, marketplace and members conference, taking place from January 10-15, 2022.
12.16.21 JanArtsNYC Returns for 2022: Multiple Performances and Industry Events Assembled for Month-Long Celebration of Live Entertainment in NYC, Beginning January 7 The Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) is proud to support the return of JanArtsNYC, the annual collection of world-class public performances and innovative industry gatherings taking place throughout the month of January at various NYC venues. The 9th-annual edition of JanArtsNYC, kicking off on January 7 and returning to a live format, positions NYC as the world’s most comprehensive location for celebrating and experiencing the newest work in theater, dance, opera, music and performance.
9.15.21 Association of Performing Arts Professionals receives landmark funding from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to support the reopening of the performing arts industry. APAP to distribute more than $2 million in grants to the field as part of its ArtsForward program. The Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) is pleased to announce that it received $3 million from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation for APAP ArtsForward, a new program to support the performing arts field’s safe, vibrant, and equitable reopening and recovery. The program will focus primarily on providing grants to APAP presenter members and their artist/ensemble partners as venues reopen, tours resume, and audiences reconnect. It will also offer services and resources to the field-at-large around reopening, booking, and touring through the pandemic.
6.10.21 Shuttered Venue Operators Call on Small Business Administration to Immediately Release Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Funds . Delays and errors put companies at risk of permanent closure. Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP), the League of Historic American Theatres, the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO), National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), National Independent Talent Organization (NITO), Performing Arts Managers and Agents Coalition (PAMAC), and the Performing Arts Alliance called on the Small Business Administration (SBA) and SBA Administrator Isabel Guzman to immediately fully fund all Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) eligible entities and to immediately resolve interagency issues that have proven a barrier to funding for SVOG applicants, which are suffering deeply.
5.21.21 Association of Performing Arts Professionals to receive National Endowment for the Arts grant to help lead the performing arts through the post-pandemic recovery. The Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) has been approved for a $55,000 Grants for Arts Projects award to support “APAP Leads”. This project will feature professional development programs and other services that are accessible to presenting, booking and touring professionals nationwide and focus on skill development, knowledge building, artistic discovery and networking, with a particular emphasis on navigating the COVID-19 crisis and reopening the performing arts.
5.12.21 NIVA and The Event Safety Alliance announce Safe In Sound: A reopening checklist for the live entertainment industry. As people in the U.S. continue to get vaccinated and cities and states begin to reopen, the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) and Event Safety Alliance (ESA), in partnership with Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP), Coalition of Performing Arts Centers, and National Independent Talent Organization (NITO) have joined together to research, create and present “Safe In Sound,” a reopening checklist for the live entertainment industry.
4.29.21 Senators John Cornyn and Amy Klobuchar to join The APAP Honors. The co-authors of the Save Our Stages bill that became the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program to offer inspiration at the May 6 celebration. The Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) announced today that U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) will be featured guests at its virtual awards ceremony, The APAP Honors.
4.6.21 APAP announces nominees for 2021 APAP Awards. Groundbreakers and luminaries to be recognized at virtual celebration,The APAP Honors on May 6, as APAP “carries the field forward” .
3.17.21 APAP Introduces the 10/20/30 Pledge. The service organization urges leaders in the field to commit to racial equity, diversity and inclusion for the performing arts.
3.2.21 APAP now accepting nominations for APAP Awards. Newly named, virtual ceremony “The APAP Honors” to celebrate trailblazers and visionaries in the performing arts on May 6, 2021.
1.14.21 At APAP|NYC+ 2021 Conference, Yo-Yo Ma, Fauci, APAP Leadership Deliver Hope and Action Plan for the Recovery of the Live Performing Arts Industry; New APAP Board Members Announced. The Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) closed its annual conference---held entirely online for the first time ever in 64 years---on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, featuring a conversation with the incomparable artist and humanitarian Yo-Yo Ma.
12.29.20 APAP Announces Programming Highlights for APAP|NYC+ 2021, 64th Annual Performing Arts Conference and First-Ever Held Entirely Online, January 8-12, 2021. Dr. Anthony Fauci, Yo-Yo Ma, and Other Luminaries to Tackle Issues Key in the Industry’s Recovery: Health, Advocacy, Anti-Racism, and the Climate Crisis.
12.17.20 Media Registration Open for The Association of Performing Arts Professionals’ 64th Annual All-Online Global Gathering of the Performing Arts Industry at APAP|NYC+ 2021, January 8-12. Leading Public Health Authority Dr. Anthony Fauci Announced as Saturday Plenary Speaker. APAP|NYC is the world's premiere gathering of the performing arts presenting, booking and touring industry and the annual members conference of APAP, the Association of Performing Arts Professionals. For details, visit apapnyc.org.
12.10.20 The Blacksmiths, APAP, NAPAMA, NIVA and partners debut Racial Equity Pledge & Toolkit. On December 16, 2020, The Blacksmiths, a newly formed multidisciplinary coalition of artists, cultural curators, presenters, producers, and art service organization leaders from across the United States, will debut a Racial Equity Pledge and Toolkit developed in service of Black artists and arts administrators and available at www.wearetheblacksmiths.com. The Blacksmiths are supported by professional independent art and culture workers as well as the Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP), North American Performing Arts Managers and Agents (NAPAMA), and National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) .
5.22.20 The Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) Announces Lisa Richards Toney as New President and CEO. APAP is pleased to announce Lisa Richards Toney as its next President and CEO in an executive search process guided by Arts Consulting Group (ACG). Richards Toney succeeds Mario Garcia Durham, who has served as President and CEO since October 2011 and who steps down on June 30, 2020. Richards Toney will assume the position of President and CEO on July 1, 2020.
5.22.20 La Asociación de Profesionales de las Artes Escénicas (APAP) anuncia Lisa Richards Toney, como nueva Presidenta y CEO. APAP se complace en anunciar a Lisa Richards Toney, como su próxima Presidenta y CEO, después de un proceso de búsqueda guiado por, Arts Consulting Group (ACG). Richards Toney, releva a Mario García Durham, quien se desempeñó como Presidente y CEO desde octubre de 2011 y renuncia al cargo el 30 de junio de 2020. Richards Toney, asumirá el cargo de Presidente y CEO el 1 de julio de 2020.
2.3.20 Now Accepting Applications for 2020 National Dance Presenters Forum at Jacob’s Pillow. The Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP), in partnership with the New England Foundation for the Arts and Jacob’s Pillow, invites dance presenters to apply for the National Dance Presenters Forum (NDPF), an immersive professional development experience at Jacob’s Pillow from August 5-8, 2020.
1.15.20 APAP|NYC 2020 Ushers in New Decade of Creativity in the Performing Arts; Closes 63rd Annual Global Performing Arts Gathering with Ben Folds; New APAP Board Members Announced. The Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) closed its annual conference on Tuesday, January 14, with a conversation on this year’s focus on “Risk and Resilience” with Ben Folds, multi-platinum selling singer-songwriter and arts education champion. “Having the license to fail is what we need when we’re making anything, “ Mr. Folds said when asked about the risks he takes in pursuing his artistic endeavors.
1.13.20 APAP|NYC 2020 Honors Ping Chong, Founder of American Contemporary Theater at APAP Awards Ceremony; National Endowment for the Arts Honors APAP CEO Mario Garcia Durham with Proclamation. The Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) honored artists, visionaries and advocates in the performing arts at its annual gathering, APAP|NYC 2020, which took place at the New York Hilton Midtown today.
12.20.19 Top 5 Must-Experience Programming Highlights at APAP|NYC 2020. The Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) today announced the top 5 media must-experience programming highlights for APAP|NYC 2020, the world’s leading global performing arts gathering, marketplace and members conference, taking place from January 10-14. Access to the EXPO Hall will be made available to the media when it opens on Saturday, January 11 at 2 p.m. .
12.5.19 APAP Announces Programming Updates for APAP|NYC 2020. “Risk and Resilience” Set the Stage for Arts Professionals at 63rd Annual Global Performing Arts Gathering; January 10-14 in New York.
11.14.19 APAP|NYC 2020 Showcases New Class of Emerging Classical Music Stars. Free Performance in Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall on January 13, 2020.
11.13.19 JanArtsNYC 2020 Celebrates New Works and Convergence of 45,000 Performing Arts Professionals and Enthusiasts from around the Globe. Together, with 13 major performing arts industry forums, public festivals, conferences and a full month of over 1,500 world-class showcases and newly presented full-length performances, concerts and public programs, keynote speakers, professional development and networking opportunities, JanArtsNYC has become the most anticipated global convergence of performing arts partner events of its kind.
11.6.19 APAP Announces CEO Departure in 2020 - Search Committee to Undertake Search Process. The Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) today announced that its CEO and President Mario Garcia Durham will be leaving the organization in April 2020, as his current contract comes to an end. Mr. Durham became the fifth President and CEO of APAP in 2011 since its founding in 1957.
10.22.19 APAP Announces Programming Highlights for APAP|NYC 2020, 63rd Annual Global Performing Arts Gathering January 10-14 in New York. Multi-Platinum Selling Singer-Songwriter and Arts Education Champion Ben Folds Announced as Closing Plenary Speaker.
10.3.19 APAP Emerging Leadership Institute Announces 2020 Class of Participants. Participants to reflect on and develop ideas about leadership and their own careers.
1.9.19 APAP|NYC 2019 Celebrates Industry Influence With “The Power of WE”; Conference Moves The Performing Arts Forward with Diversity and Inclusion. The Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) closed its annual conference on Tuesday, January 8, with remarks by Kristin Chenoweth, Emmy and Tony-Award winning actress, singer and author. Reinforcing the collective power of our industry and its influence on positive change inside and outside the performing art industry, Ms. Chenoweth captured the essence of APAP|NYC 2019 with this declaration, “I will make a promise to you that I will continue my work, stepping outside my comfort zone as an artist. What’s more important, I will encourage other artists, all the artists that do what I do, to do the same thing. We must all be pushing ourselves, [just like you guys (APAP members)], musically and artistically. You guys inspire me. So I inspire you. So therefore, that is the power of we.”
1.7.19 APAP|NYC 2019 Honors Carmen de Lavallade, The Joyce Theater, Kaisha Johnson of Women of Color in the Arts and David J. Fraher of Arts Midwest; New APAP Board Members Announced. The Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) honored artists, visionaries and advocates in the performing arts at its annual gathering, APAP|NYC 2019, taking place at the New York Hilton Midtown.
