Last month, nearly 400 performing arts professionals from across the globe met in São Paulo, Brazil for the 23rd International Congress of the International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA). Founded in 1949, ISPA is a professional network made up of more than 350 individuals from over 50 countries. Its goal is to strengthen the arts internationally by building leadership ability, recognizing and discussing field-wide trends, and deepening global exchange through the arts.

The University of Texas at Austin Performing Arts Center has been a long-time member of ISPA. Because of its commitment to international programming and in particular, increasing contact with the performing arts of Latin America through ArtesAméricas, The Performing Arts Center was a co-sponsor of the congress, along the Secretariat of Culture of the State of São Paulo, who hosted and sponsored the event. The Host Committee also included an impressive coalition of partner institutions, including SESC São Paulo, Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil, and The Consulate General of the United States in São Paulo, among others.

The theme of the congress was ”Immersion in Diversity,” which was explored over the course of four days of panel discussions, keynote addresses, and performances in a wide variety of venues across the city from June 10-14, 2009. Session topics included “Urban Popular Culture,” “Inclusion in the Arts,” “Tem jeito: Circulation of the Arts in Brazil,” and “The Creative Process Today: Multiple Perspectives.” More than 50 panelists from across Brazil and the world weighed in on various issues facing the performing arts field in Brazil and abroad, as well as enjoyed a unique networking opportunity.

Several members of the Performing Arts Center Staff attended, including Interim Director April Holmes and Programming Director Cynthia Patterson, as well as Dr. Doug Dempster, Dean of The College of Fine Arts. ArtesAméricas Director Joe Randel, who sits on ISPA’s Board of Directors, served on the Congress Host Committee and wore a number of hats throughout the congress, including Co-Curator of The Pitch Session and Master of Ceremonies for the annual Awards Dinner.

The Congress was a resounding success on all fronts and set a new attendance record for ISPA’s International Congresses. Check back in the coming weeks for additional postings and photos detailing the congress events, as well as highlights and new discoveries made by members of the UT Delegation.