The Hong Kong 2022 International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) Congress is being held from today (May 25) until Friday (May 27) online under the theme of "To Connect Beyond", marking Hong Kong as the first Asian city that has won the bid for organizing the ISPA Congress twice, following the success of hosting this international event in 2006.
Presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, this ISPA mid-year Congress gathers some 400 leaders from the arts and cultural industry, and professionals of performing arts from over 30 regions. The program includes panel discussions, keynotes, performance showcases and more as the Congress explores topics such as the connection between artists and the community, the relationship between culture territories and performing venues, and the inheritance of culture and art tech. In addition, 10 innovative projects selected by the ISPA will be presented to the delegates at the "Pitch New Works" sessions of the Congress. Among the 10 selected works, four are by Hong Kong groups including KNG Studio, City Contemporary Dance Company, Tang Shu-wing Theatre Studio and Hong Kong Dance Company.
Speakers from across the globe include conductor and composer Tan Dun; the Chief Executive Officer of West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, Betty Fung; choreographer and art director Shen Wei; Artistic Director of the Ronald O. Perelman Performing Arts Center in the United States Bill Rauch; Artistic Director and Chief Executive of London's Sadler's Wells Theatre Sir Alistair Spalding; the Chief Executive Officer of the National Arts Council Singapore, Rosa Daniel, and many more.
Speaking at the opening of the Congress, the Acting Secretary for Home Affairs, Jack Chan, said that Hong Kong is honored to host this important international performance arts congress for the second time after the first hosting in 2006. Under the National 14th Five-Year Plan, the Central People's Government has supported Hong Kong as a hub for international arts and cultural exchanges, and as a springboard for enhanced networks between arts institutions and practitioners that brings new opportunities for intercultural collaboration in the region and worldwide.
Chan said with the completion or imminent opening of a number of new or revitalized cultural projects, performance venues and facilities in Hong Kong, including the West Kowloon Cultural District, the East Kowloon Cultural Centre and the Tai Kwun, Hong Kong is about to turn a new page in its cultural development, striving to become vital connector between the Mainland and other global regions and as a hub, gathering creative inspirations and exploring infinite possibilities.
Founded in 1948, the ISPA is a global association of more than 500 arts management leaders from 56 regions, who come together with the shared goal of strengthening and developing the arts internationally. ISPA members include presenters, performing arts organizations, artist managers, funders, consultants and other professionals working in the performing arts.
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