The Hong Kong 2022 International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) Congress is being held online from today until May 27 under the theme of To Connect Beyond. 

Presented by the Leisure & Cultural Services Department, the IPSA mid-year congress has attracted some 400 leaders from the arts and cultural industry and professionals of performing arts from over 30 regions.

The programme 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.

Ten innovative projects selected by the ISPA will be presented to the delegates at the congress’ Pitch New Works sessions. Four such projects are by Hong Kong groups that include KNG Studio, City Contemporary Dance Company, Tang Shu-wing Theatre Studio and Hong Kong Dance Company.

Speaking at the opening of the event, Acting Secretary for Home Affairs Jack Chan said Hong Kong is honoured to host this important international meeting for the second time after the first hosting in 2006.

Under the National 14th Five-Year Plan, the Central People’s Government supports Hong Kong to become a hub for international arts and cultural exchanges and serve as a springboard for enhanced networks between arts institutions and practitioners, he noted.

With the completion or imminent opening of venues like the West Kowloon Cultural District, the East Kowloon Cultural Centre and Tai Kwun, Hong Kong is about to turn a new page in its cultural development, striving to become a vital connector between the Mainland and other global regions and as a hub that gathers creative inspirations, Mr Chan added.

“Through the many sessions of this virtual congress, I am sure ISPA delegates will continue to connect and navigate as a community, enhancing mutual understanding, building a good foundation for closer collaboration in arenas outside the congress and beyond.”

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.

Its members include presenters, performing arts organisations, artist managers, funders, consultants and other professionals working in the performing arts.