(From left to right) Dr. Frankie Yeung, Vice Chairman of Hong Kong Arts Development Council; Ms. Leung Mei Po, Cynthia, General Manager, Corporate Communications of Henderson Land; Mr. Xu Zhengzhong, Chairman of Bauhinia Culture Group; Mr. Kenneth Fok, Chairman of Hong Kong Arts Development Council; Mr. Yeung Yun-hung, Kevin, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government; Dr. Wilfred Wong, Chairman of Hong Kong Arts Development Fund Advisory Committee; and Ms. Winsome Chow, Chief Executive of Hong Kong Arts Development Council at the HKPAX Gala Dinner.

(Hong Kong, 21 October 2024) The inaugural Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo (HKPAX), sponsored by the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and organised by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC), concluded with a great success. Over 1,600 arts leaders and practitioners from over 60 regions attended, and in particular, representatives from the Mainland, the Middle East, Canada and Australia topped the list.

The Expo's diverse performances and programmes were well received by participants and local audiences, with the total number of audience and participants surpassing 31,000, achieving an 80% attendance rate. The Expo also encouraged public participation, drawing nearly 2,000 attendees including students from various local tertiary institutions and secondary schools, members of non-governmental organisations and the general public to take part in the Council’s public engagement programmes. 

Mr. Kenneth Fok, Chairman of the HKADC, said: “The Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo has successfully established a global flagship platform for performing arts, fostering international cultural and artistic exchanges, expanding the performing arts trading market, and bringing new opportunities for arts institutions and practitioners from all over the world. This is in line with the Government's direction to promote the future development of Hong Kong’s arts, culture and creative industries. During the Expo, it was gratifying to see friends from different regions engaging in a series of Cultural Offerings, Structured Networking, Pitch Sessions, Leadership Talks, and Exhibitions. They met like-minded individuals, established connections, sparked creativity, explored collaborative opportunities, and cultivated an innovative arts ecosystem that transcends geographical boundaries." 

Mr. Kenneth Fok added, “Apart from being a mega event for the performing arts, the Expo also brings unparalleled and visually stunning performing arts programmes to the people of Hong Kong, enriching our lives.”

The Expo, which spanned five days from 14 to 18 October 2024, showcased a myriad of diverse programmes featuring over 100 performances, leadership talks, and networking events. Additionally, there were nearly 100 exhibition booths set up by local and international arts groups and professionals, facilitating industry exchanges and partnerships. Alongside top local performing arts groups staging signature productions at major art venues in Hong Kong, the HKADC collaborated with local and international art organisations to jointly present 3 captivating Expo Programmes, 15 International Showcases and 21 rotating performances by local small and medium-sized performing arts groups and solo artists, providing a series of outstanding performing arts events for expo participants and the people of Hong Kong. To enhance cultural exchanges within the Greater Bay Area, the HKADC also organised a visit to Shenzhen and Guangzhou on the 19th and 20th of October. 47 participants from various regions actively participated in visits to local cultural facilities, engaged in discussions with local artists and arts professionals, and explored collaboration opportunities.

The success of the Expo is attributed to the dedicated support of the Hong Kong SAR Government, the active participation of the local arts and cultural community, and the assistance and sponsorship from various organisations. This includes Henderson Land serving as the Expo's collaborating organisation, sponsoring the gala dinner event and The Henderson for providing the venue, as well as Volvo offering 40 brand-new vehicles to transport guests from around the world. 

Please click here to download high-resolution images of the Opening Ceremony.