The Australian Major Performing Arts Group, or AMPAG, is the umbrella group for Australia’s 28 major performing arts companies who inspire millions through theatre, circus, contemporary dance, classical ballet, classical music, opera, musicals and comedy.

In 2010 nearly 2.3 million people attended mainstage capital city performances by the AMPAG members. The companies also presented 340 seasons in 128 regional centres around the country and more than 600,000 young Australians attended 4,600 education performances.

Live performance creates a rich and vibrant cultural life for all Australians. Increasingly performances can be accessed through digital media, extending their reach and creating ever larger audiences. At AMPAG, we work with our members to ensure they are adequately supported by government – federal, state and local – and are accessible to all Australians.

Image credits: Bangarra Dance Theatre: Terrain. Photo: Jeff Busby • Sydney Dance Company: The Land of Yes and the Land of No. Photo: Jez Smith • Sydney Theatre Company: The Wharf Review. Photo: Mark Nolan • Bell Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet. Photo: Alex Vaughan • Queensland Ballet: Alice in Wonderland. Photo: David Kelly • Opera Australia: OperaEd. Photo: Keith Saunders • Circus Oz. Photo: Rob Blackburn • State Opera of South Australia: Opera Australia's 'Fidelio'. Photo: Branco Gaica • West Australian Ballet: Ballet at the Quarry. Photo: Jon Green