Promoting the Asian stage

The annual Performing Arts Market in Seoul event – PAMS for short – organised by the state-run Korea Art Management Service, provides a marketplace for people in the performing arts industry to buy and sell performances, while exchanging resources and industry information. The festival aims to help diverse Korean shows advance to other countries, while enhancing a creative collaboration network among participants. 

“Now in its 10th year, PAMS started with a vision to globalise Korean performing arts to the world,” says Korea Art Management Service president Jeong Jae-wal.

“While there are many prestigious art markets around the world, including in Canada, Australia and Japan, we would like this festival to become representative for Asia in the future.”

Under the theme of “A Window to Contemporary Performing Arts in Asia,” PAMS has selected China as the country of honour to promote Korea-China cultural ties. The two nations will co-host a variety of forums and events during the festival. 

“The relationship between China and Korea is at one of its highest points in history,” says Shi Ruilin, cultural attache at the Chinese Embassy in Seoul. 

“This is an opportunity for both countries to exchange and learn from each other’s cultures and develop together.”

During the five-day festival, booths will be set up for both domestic and foreign troupes, while a diverse array of events including academic forums and discussions will take place. 

“PAMS Choice,” one of the signatory programmes of the festival, presents 10 performances selected by the organising committee. 

“I hope this year’s festival goes beyond a festival for the industry insiders and invites audiences to enjoy diverse performances from home and abroad,” Jeong says. 

 

Acting clever

The Performing Arts Market in Seoul runs from tomorrow until October 11 at the National Theatre of Korea in Jangchung-dong, central Seoul.

For more information on PAMS, visit its official website at www.Pams.or.kr.