Performing Arts Market in Seoul 2011 Provides Networking Opportunities for Performing Arts Professionals

Hundreds of professionals, including directors, actors, dancers and producers, have gathered for this year's Performing Arts Market in Seoul or PAMS. Organized by the Korea Arts Management Service, this seventh installment of the annual international event aims to promote creative production and active collaboration in the performing arts industry in and outside of Korea.

The opening ceremony was held on Tuesday, showcasing the latest work of renowned Korean director Oh Tae-suk, "The Tempest". This year's event has drawn over 1000 participants from Korea and about 200 professionals from about 60 countries.

[Reporter : Park Ji-won [email protected]] "This year's Performing Arts Market in Seoul gives visitors the chance to network and exchange the latest infomation on the industry".A total of 87 booth exhibitions are on display, allowing participants to search for new talents and new forms of performing arts.

[Interview : Pierre Des Marais, Co-director Danse Danse] "I think the market here is very well organized in a sense is that the overall feeling so far is extremely good. It is a lot of diversity, so it's excellent that way".

PAMS selects a focus region every year, and this year, its focus is Asia.
At a discussion session, guest speakers share their thoughts and ideas on the current status and potential of Asian performing arts.

[Interview : Ching-Lee Goh, Executive & Artistic Director Cultural Link] "With our rich traditions and with technical advances that Asia is so well known for, with a whole new generation of young Asian artists, I think the potential to develop something that is really unique, interesting, and relevant not just to us but to the rest of the world, I think that's a very powerful platform that we Asians are standing on now".

In addition to the exhibitions and roundtables, the art market features 13 outstanding Korean performances.
Dubbed as the "PAMS Choice", this selection started featuring on Tuesday afternoon with director Lim Minouk's project "FireCliff", which aims to convey a message of connectedness and sympathy. "Dancing Grandmothers" by Eun Me Ahn Company presents elderly Korean women's dance movements,which are reflections and symbols of the past history of the 20th century of Korea. With these resonating performances, audience members can appreciate a better understanding of humanity stretching beyond borders.

Park Ji-won, Arirang News.