In February and March every year, international and local artists from across the performing arts world take to the stage as part of the Hong Kong Arts Festival (HKAF).
In addition to presenting these world-class artists and ensembles, HKAF also includes a diverse range of educational events for the community, truly making it “a major international arts festival in, of, and for Hong Kong,” said Executive Director Tisa Ho.
Established in 1973, the Hong Kong Arts Festival (HKAF) is a non-profit organization committed to enriching the city’s vibrant culture. It has been presenting the best of international and local talent over the last four decades and more.
“By embracing all genres of the performing arts, from the great traditions to the latest experiments, we push the envelope at a measured pace so that we move ahead with the times, with our audiences and stakeholders,” Ho said.
HKAF actively collaborates with Hong Kong’s emerging local artists and has commissioned and produced more than 200 local productions over the years in diverse genres including Cantonese opera, contemporary dance and theatre. Following their festival performances, many of these productions have gone on to have successful runs in Hong Kong and numerous locations overseas.
“The opportunities for the performing arts in Hong Kong are in the wealth of local talent and being part of a fabulous travel and transport hub, which makes access easy to and from any part of the world,” Ho explained.
Access to the arts for all is also a key part of the festival’s mission, and the organization places a strong emphasis on interaction and engagement between artists and audiences. Their “Festival PLUS” activities – which take place each year in community locations – include films, guided cultural tours and workshops.
“No Limits,” a new programmed series of dance, theatre and musical performances co-presented with the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, is another example of how HKFA aims to promote inclusiveness with performers and audience members of different abilities.
The “No Limits” programme will include performances with audio description in Cantonese, Hong Kong sign language interpretation and easy-to-read booklets. Through its variety of performances and art experiences, “No Limits” aims to create an inclusive space for everyone to share the joy of the arts together.
“In serving the young audiences of today, we are also building an audience for the future which benefits not only the HKAF, but the sector as a whole, and by extension, the entire community,” Ho said. “These are some of the ways in which we feel we are in, of, and for Hong Kong, and a part of its continuing story.”
HKAF joined the Chamber in 2017, and Ho said that she believes that membership allows the organization to stay on top of trends and discussions in the ever-changing market.
“And of course, we hope the members will also get to know HKAF and see the value it offers,” she added. “I warmly welcome the active participation of Chamber members to the 48th Hong Kong Arts Festival next year.”
Company 公司名稱：Hong Kong Arts Festival Society Ltd
HKGCC Membership No.: HKH0651
Established: 1972
Website: http://www.hk.artsfestival.org