The Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC) proudly presents the inaugural Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo (HKPAX). Taking place from 14 to 18 October 2024, the five-day expo institutes an important platform for new artistic connections, establishing Hong Kong as an East-meets-West centre for cultural exchange among professional creative personnel from across the city, Mainland China and the world. Through wide-ranging performances, workshops and collaborations, HKPAX aims to foster an understanding of different cultures, further inspiring creativity and encouraging potential artistic partnerships.

Vibrant and dynamic, the event hosts a myriad of activities specially curated for the enjoyment of arts enthusiasts and industry insiders. Culture lovers are invited to experience a rich variety of musical theatre, dance, comedy and more among HKPAX Expo Programmes and International Showcases. Tickets for these events will be available to the public from 2 September at URBTIX. The public is also warmly invited to support Hong Kong’s trailblazers at Ground Search—a free programme requiring prior registration, showcasing performances by small and medium-sized companies. For arts practitioners, academics and experts purchasing HKPAX passes, the event offers curated programmes and activities for participants from the global arts community to connect, including cultural offerings, networking opportunities, pitch sessions and talks.

HKPAX Highlights
Expo Programmes
HKPAX has collaborated with international arts organisations to co-create three exciting programmes highlighting local and international talent:

1014 – Nanyin x Jazz co-created by HKPAX and China Performing Arts Agency

Local artists from Hong Kong and Mainland China come together to explore humanity’s hopes and uncertainties about the future in a unique musical theatre production that fuses jazz with Nanyin, a classical style of narrative Chinese singing.

Time in a Bottle co-created by HKPAX and Ishikawa Ongakudo

Hong Kong composer Leon Ko collaborates with Japanese set designer Hiroko Matsuo in a theatrical presentation integrating music, scent and perfume bottles. An oboe, a string quartet and a piano accompany the evocative visual journey.

Journey of Discovery co-created by HKPAX and National Arts Council of South Africa

Hong Kong-born music director Ng Cheuk-yin spearheads an alliance of young musicians from South Africa and Hong Kong. Blending contrasting cultural backgrounds and musical styles from both regions, the piece forges new musical horizons, inviting the audience on an exploratory sonic journey.

In addition, many local performing arts groups and organisations, including Chung Ying Theatre Company, City Contemporary Dance Company, Hong Kong Arts Festival, Hong Kong Ballet, Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, Hong Kong Dance Company, Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, Hong Kong Repertory Theatre, Hong Kong Sinfonietta, Leisure and Cultural Services Department, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, and Xiqu Centre of WKCD, will showcase signature full-length productions at various theatres throughout the city.

International Showcases
From August 2023, more than 300 professional troupes from around the globe submitted projects in hopes of being included among HKPAX’s offerings. Of these 300+, 15 were selected, including five from Hong Kong and Mainland China. Set to converge in Hong Kong, the curated International Showcases include drama, dance, musical theatre, Chinese opera (xiqu) and diverse multidisciplinary arts—ranging from grand-scale productions to intimate solo performances.

BENCHED

Perhaps, Perhaps… Quizas

HKPAX International Showcases include BENCHED by Denmark’s Uppercut Dance Theatre, a dance show oriented around shifting benches that marries contemporary dance, breakdance, capoeira and street dance to explore the complexities of human relationships; LauZone from Hong Kongers Anna Lo and Rick Lau, a cabaret show employing original music and irreverent humour to honour the city’s rich melting pot of culture; and Perhaps, Perhaps… Quizas by Gabriela Muñoz, who creates a clown character delving into loneliness, anticipation and yearning in an emotive routine.

Ground Search
This pitching series, highlighting Hong Kong’s unique ability to marry Chinese heritage with Western culture, showcases local, small- and medium-sized performing arts groups as well as individual arts practitioners, connecting them with HKPAX’s international participants. This event is open free to the public, requiring prior registration.

HKPAX partners with multiple venues across Hong Kong to facilitate these programmes. Most scheduled events are hosted at the West Kowloon Cultural District, a burgeoning arts hub with performance venues, museums, green spaces and dining establishments—along with a waterfront promenade to enjoy the sea breeze. Other venues include the city’s prestigious theatres and exhibition sites, including the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tai Kwun, Asia Society Hong Kong and Hong Kong Arts Centre.

Hong Kong’s first Performing Arts Expo offers a compelling platform solidifying Hong Kong’s status as a vibrant hub for international cultural exchange and promoting a deeper appreciation for the city’s unique hybrid of Western and Eastern culture. By connecting global arts communities and incubating innovative new works, HKPAX seeks to shape the industry’s future. We hope all participants are inspired to exchange ideas, explore new horizons of creativity and help propel the development of a thriving, collaborative and sustainable arts ecology across Asia and beyond.

HKPAX Programme Details:
Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo (HKPAX)

• Date: 14 to 18 October 2024
• Ticketing: Public ticket sales for Expo Programmes and International Showcases commence on 2 September 2024 at URBTIX.
• Programme Details: https://www.hkpax.org.hk/en/programme/list