Founded in 1957, APAP is a 501(c)(3) organization governed by a volunteer board of directors and led by President and CEO Lisa Richards Toney.
[citation needed] The association represents the nonprofit and for-profit sectors of the presenting and touring industry of the performing arts in the U.S. and internationally, with member organizations from all 50 U.S. states and at least 50 countries.
Members represent multiple disciplines including various forms of dance, music, theater, puppetry, circus, magic, attractions and performance art.
Through professional development programs and resources, APAP helps artists, agents, managers, presenters and producers to gain the knowledge, skills and strategies they need to make the arts a vibrant, valuable and sustainable part of everyday life.
APAP provides year-round resources for Professional Development and Networking including access to the Membership Database, joining Fellowship programs, and monthly webinars.
Leadership Development Institute (2009–2013): Two cohorts of 10–15 mid-career professionals research "Mission/Vision" and "Connecting to Your Community" and produced the online interactive toolkit.