About - Performing Arts Network New Zealand

Performing Arts Network New Zealand (PANNZ) supports the New Zealand professional performing arts sector. Its core objectives are to promote and encourage a sustainable performing arts touring network, and to facilitate and develop communications networks within the professional performing arts community. Activity includes running the annual PANNZ Arts Market, the National Touring Programme, the FAME Mid-Career Awards, and the Festival Commissioning and Presentation Fund.

Arts Market

The Arts Market is the sole marketplace for performing arts in NZ and has grown from a one day market featuring 11 works to a multi-day event featuring more than 40 works. It is one of the most important industry events on the New Zealand calendar. The PANNZ Arts Market was originally launched in 1999, in partnership with EVANZ (Entertainment Venues Association of New Zealand). EVANZ formally ceded their involvement in the Market in 2006 but remain close associates of PANNZ.

National Touring Programme

In 2014 PANNZ was awarded the Creative New Zealand Touring Agency funding to deliver medium to large-scale regional and national tours of contemporary Theatre, Dance and Music throughout New Zealand. The PANNZ National Touring Programme (originally known as Tour-Makers) was established in 2015 and is working, often in partnership with key venues, to establish a sustainable touring network for professional work in New Zealand.

FAME Mid-Career Awards

First established in 2022, the FAME Mid-Career Awards is an annual initiative aimed at honouring and supporting outstanding talent in the performing arts community of Aotearoa. Administered by PANNZ in partnership with The FAME Trust and the Acorn Foundation, sizable cash gifts are awarded to performing artists (across Contemporary Dance, Classical Music, and Theatre) and Producing, Production, Design and Technical professionals.

Festival Commissioning and Presentation Fund

In March of 2023 PANNZ made an agreement with Creative New Zealand to deliver a $2 million Festival Commissioning and Presentation Fund. The Fund supports high-quality, new and/or reimagined work that might not otherwise be funded by Creative New Zealand to be created and presented within Aotearoa New Zealand.