Having hosted the fourth Indonesia Performing Arts Mart – IPAM - in 2007, Solo, Central Java, has again been entrusted with acting as host to the fifth IPAM from 3 – 7 of June 2009.

With its more than 220 million people, the Indonesian Archipelago consists of about 300 ethnic groups who speak a variety of languages or dialects, who are proud of their cultural heritage, ancient wisdom and values expressed in various forms of creative art such as traditional dances, theatre, music, paintings and unique artefacts.

To safeguard this inheritance, communities all over Indonesia have taken in pride in handing down their traditions and customs from generation to generation but have also been ready to accept influences from other cultures.

Over the centuries, Arabic, Indian, Malay, Chinese and European cultures have left their mark on the various indigent cultures thus enriching them and sometimes creating new forms of art.

Recently international performance experts have discovered this wealth of arts and invited artists, dancers and actors to perform in their countries.

IPAM 2009 offers a unique opportunity for globally interactive agents in the Performing Arts Industry to become acquainted with this exotic, richly facetted, singular culture, to boost international cultural exchange programmes and, last but not least, to exchange experiences and know-how gained in the field of world-wide touring, attracting sponsors and fund raising.

The 2009 IPAM programmes include a welcome reception, seminars, performing arts presentations and exhibitions, art exchanges, special excursions as well as a business forum.

Established in 2002, IPAM has, in the meantime, become a biennial event. The IPAM V 2009 provides a forum for International Presenters, Indonesian Performing Artists/Groups, experts, sponsors and international culture enthusiasts.

Come, watch, enjoy and choose the best!