Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo 2026 officially opens, connecting global performing arts community and advancing Hong Kong's role as an international cultural exchange hub
- The second edition of HKPAX gathers more than 1,900 arts leaders, practitioners and students from 59 countries and regions.
- Four-day free public Open Prologue concludes successfully, drawing strong public interest and participation while offering residents and visitors an opportunity to experience the vibrancy of the performing arts.
- Bringing together artists and arts groups from across five continents, HKPAX 2026 presents more than 40 performances and project presentations, alongside over 40 curated talks and networking activities, further strengthening its role as a platform for international exchange, connection and collaboration.
- HKPAX 2026 has received an overwhelmingly positive response, with Standard Passes now sold out, reflecting strong support and engagement from the local and international performing arts community. Day Passes, Student Passes and selected ticketed public performances remain available for purchase.
The Opening Ceremony of HKPAX 2026 was officiated by Ms Vivian Sum Fong-kwang, JP, Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Guo Yonghong, Director of the Department of Publicity, Culture and Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Prof Karen Chan Ka-yin, JP, Chairman of the Arts Promotion Committee of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council, and Mr Edward Ho Man-tat, Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council today.
(9 October 2026, Hong Kong) The second edition of the Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo (HKPAX 2026), organised by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC), officially opened today at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. HKPAX 2026 is sponsored by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. Running from 9 to 13 October 2026, the five-day Expo brings together over 1,900 artists, arts groups, presenters, industry professionals and students from 59 countries and regions across five continents in its 2026 edition.
The Opening Ceremony today was officiated by Ms Vivian Sum Fong-kwang, JP, Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government; Mr Guo Yonghong, Director of the Department of Publicity, Culture and Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR; Prof Karen Chan Ka-yin, JP, Chairman of the Arts Promotion Committee of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council; and Mr Edward Ho Man-tat, Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council. The Opening Ceremony brought together distinguished local and international guests, including government officials, diplomatic representatives, and leading figures from the global arts and cultural community.
Ms Vivian Sum Fong-kwang, JP, Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government, said, “The Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo demonstrates Hong Kong’s unique role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. In line with the National 15th Five-Year Plan and Hong Kong’s first Five-Year Plan, we will continue to leverage Hong Kong’s role as a super-connector to strengthen cultural exchange and collaboration between the Chinese Mainland and the international community. By bringing together artists, arts organisations and industry leaders from around the world, HKPAX creates valuable opportunities for partnership, innovation and the continued development of the performing arts.”
The Hon Kenneth Fok, BBS, JP, Chairman of HKADC, said, “Now in its second edition, HKPAX has become an important platform for the performing arts sector in the region, as well as a vibrant marketplace and meeting point where exchange drives progress, partnerships are forged and innovation thrives. Beyond showcasing the sector's creativity and diversity, the Expo further reinforces Hong Kong's role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange and a “super connector” between China and the world. HKADC is grateful for the support from the HKSAR Government, our sponsors, partners, institutions, artists, and friends from the global performing arts community for joining us here in Hong Kong. Your presence reflects the growing importance of HKPAX as a platform for international exchange and collaboration.”
Open Prologue successfully held from 6–9 October 2026
Lifting the curtain for HKPAX 2026, Open Prologue was held successfully from 6 to 9 October 2026 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza C, transforming the Victoria Harbour waterfront into an open-air stage for artistic exchange. Featuring a diverse programme of dance, Xiqu, music and choral performances curated by Unlock Dancing Plaza, Spring Glory Productions, the World Youth and Children Choral Artists’ Association, and Ng King-pan, the programme drawing strong public interest and setting a dynamic tone for the week-long Expo.
HKPAX 2026 presents a diverse programme that fosters exchange and collaboration
Embracing the theme “Passion in Motion”, HKPAX 2026 presents performing arts as a dynamic, vibrant, and ever-evolving field. HKPAX 2026 features a thoughtfully curated programme spanning multiple strands, including International Showcase, Pitching, Hong Kong Chapter, Conversations, Networking, Exchange Avenue, Partner Programmes, Cultural Offerings, and GBA Performing Arts Tour. These programmes altogether invite global arts professionals to explore, experience, and exchange, fostering partnerships and creating synergic opportunities that strengthen the performing arts sector in Hong Kong and enrich the global performing arts scene.
| Opening Showcase HKPAX 2026 opens officially with City Reverie, a multidisciplinary performance combining media art, piano music and emotional-tracking technology to capture the emotional pulse of Hong Kong. Created by Joel Kwong, Vvzela Kook, Fung Lam and Silver Cheung, City Reverie is part of ARTS · TECH 4.0, an annual flagship initiative of HKADC. |
2 programmes (3 sessions) |
| International Showcase International Showcase brings together 14 programmes by artists and arts groups from 13 countries and regions, reflecting its broad global reach and cultural diversity. Carefully selected from hundreds of submissions across more than 80 countries and regions, the programmes encompass theatre, dance, music and multidisciplinary arts. Presented across 13 venues of varying scales and technical specifications, International Showcase offers industry professionals a comprehensive and up-to-date view of the artistic breadth and production capabilities of participating artists and arts groups from around the world. The International Showcase public performances will take place on Sunday, 11 October 2026 at the East Kowloon Cultural Centre, including An Isolated Case by Arte un rato (Chile), and Paradisum by Recirquel Cirque Danse by Bence Vági (Hungary). |
14 programmes (23 sessions) |
| Pitching Pitching is a dynamic sector designed for international artists and performing arts troupes to pitch projects to a global assembly of presenters, producers, agents, venues, funding bodies, curators, and arts professionals. Spanning early-stage creative ideas, works-in-progress, or fully realised pieces ready for touring or collaboration, these pitch sessions provide a focused setting for exploring business prospects, identifying potential partners, and exchanging insights with artists and industry professionals from around the world. This sector brings together 18 works by artists and companies from 15 countries and regions, reflecting a broad international scope. |
1 programme (18 sessions) |
| Hong Kong Chapter Hong Kong Chapter is a sector dedicated to showcasing Hong Kong’s distinctive artistic visions and practices through concise 20-minute presentations, demonstrations or excerpts, highlighting both emerging creative ideas and mature works. This sector brings together 10 independent artist, small and medium-sized arts groups from Hong Kong, offering international industry professionals a valuable window into Hong Kong’s performing arts ecosystem. |
1 programme (10 sessions) |
| Conversations The Conversations sector of HKPAX brings arts leaders, producers, and creators into dialogue around the forces shaping the performing arts today. Key formats include: “Creative Dialogue” and “Off-stage Talk” series feature visionary voices on global trends; “Regional Snapshot” offer timely insights from different parts of the world; the “You Say, I Say” encourages honest exchange on industry challenges; while the speed-brainstorming event “Lightning Table” sparks fast-paced, peer-led discussions. Through these initiatives, participants may gain new perspectives and practical tools to keep driving the industry forward. |
6 programmes (29 sessions) |
| Exchange Avenue The Exchange Avenue is a dedicated exhibition space for participating institutions and arts groups to introduce innovative ideas, works, and projects to HKPAX participants. It’s an expo experience that doubles as a hub for dialogue, partnership-building, and discovery of business opportunities across international markets. This year, Exchange Avenue takes place at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre along the stunning Victoria Harbour waterfront, serving as a meeting hub for global and local arts professionals. |
1 programme (2 sessions) |
| Networking From curated themed networking activities, interactive breakout sessions, to evening gatherings, this curated series of networking events celebrate the connections that fuel creative collaboration. “Peer Encounters” series offer valuable opportunities for participants to expand their connections and cultivate meaningful partnerships. When the sun goes down, “Night Mixers” series offer a more relaxed setting to deepen relationships and share inspiration. From meaningful conversations to spontaneous encounters, these moments open doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and long-term collaborations that extend beyond HKPAX. |
4 programmes (13 sessions) |
| Partner Programmes Partner Programmes brings together a wide spectrum of productions and activities presented by major performing arts institutions, companies and arts and cultural organisations in Hong Kong and the wider region. The programmes showcase the dynamism of the performing arts landscape in Hong Kong and beyond, while highlighting the artistic excellence and community ethos of participating artists and organisations. |
13 programmes (34 sessions) |
| Cultural Offerings Cultural Offerings invite delegates to experience Hong Kong’s vibrant cultural life beyond the official HKPAX venues. These add-on experiences highlight the city’s distinctive character through its creative neighbourhoods, rich traditions and urban culture. |
6 programmes (9 sessions) |
| Greater Bay Area Performing Arts Tour Following the conclusion of HKPAX 2026, participants can opt to join a tour of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The tour provides an opportunity to explore the cultural ecosystem and market trends of the Greater Bay Area. |
1 programme |
HKPAX 2026 continues until 13 October 2026. For the full programme, detailed schedule and latest information, please visit the official HKPAX website at www.hkpax.org.hk.
HKPAX 2026 extends its sincere thanks to the following sponsors and partners for their generous support:
| Sponsored by | Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China |
| Lead Venue Partner | Leisure and Cultural Services Department |
| Programme Partners | China Performing Arts Agency, Xinjiang Performing Arts and Culture Co., Ltd., The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Hong Kong Ballet, Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, Hong Kong Dance Company, Hong Kong Fringe Club, Hong Kong Sinfonietta, Opera Hong Kong, Tai Kwun, Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, WestK Performing Arts, Xiqu Centre, WestK |
| Student Pass and Closing Reception Sponsor | China Merchants Group |
| Programme Sponsor | Central Yards |
| Official Carrier | Cathay Pacific |
| Supporting Partners | Hong Kong Tourism Board, China Resources C'estbon Beverage Company Limited, Hung Fook Tong Holdings Limited, The Garden Company Limited, Tom Lee Music, School of Creative Media of City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong Shue Yan University, Lingnan University, Faculty of Arts, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Education University of Hong Kong, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Faculty of Arts, The Hong Kong University |
| Official Hotel | Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers |
| Hotel Partners | B P International, Eaton Hong Kong, Hotel Stage, ibis Hong Kong Central & Sheung Wan, Prince Hotel, The Park Lane Hong Kong |
HKPAX also extends its heartfelt gratitude to CCMG Cultural Creative Development Co.,Ltd. (Beijing), a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Cultural Media Group, for its initiative to present a curated selection of exceptional performing arts projects from the Chinese Mainland. This showcase the achievements of the region's performing arts sector and supports the introduction of high-quality productions onto a broader international stage.