In January 2010, four fabulous Australian companies head off to Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, USA, to join the International Performing Arts for Youth (IPAY) Showcase held from 20-23 January, 2010.

According to IPAY organisers, it is the first time that four international works, all from one country have been accepted into the showcase. The annual showcase includes performances, exhibits, networking opportunities, and more recently a pre-conference seminar and attracts major companies, artists and programmers, who serve young audiences.

Throughout the four-day event, professionals share resources and view performances of national and international performing artists who have been selected through a rigorous jury process conducted by an international selection committee.

The Australia Council for the Arts market development program further supports the organisations that have been accepted and as part of their promotions at IPAY they have produced the Australian Children’s Theatre Spotlight on OzArts. ‘OzArts…showcases the best of Australia’s contemporary arts to the world and promotes high-quality, export-ready contemporary Australian arts to the international decision makers.’

The website presents details of Australian presence at IPAY that includes information on Arena Theatre Company, Polyglot Theatre, Terrapin Puppet Theatre and Windmill.

The December/January edition of OzArts e-news will also highlight the strong Australian presence at IPAY and will be sent to all IPAY members and delegates. It’s all very exciting and you’ll find information about the shows and links to the OzArts website published with the IPAY feature article on Lowdown Online.