2017-10-27

HKADC Led a 110-member Strong Delegation to PAMS 2017 Presenting the Best of HK Contemporary Theatre and Xiqu Works

The Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC) led a 110-member strong delegation to take part in the Performing Arts Market in Seoul (PAMS) from 14 to 19 October 2017. The delegation comprised representatives from the performing arts sector and they showcased the diversity and vibrancy of the Hong Kong arts production to overseas arts festival directors, venue managers, arts agents and arts organisations. The visit aimed to help Hong Kong artists establish overseas network and explore exchange and performing opportunities. This is the second time for the HKADC to take part in PAMS in a full scale since 2015.

PAMS is one of the most important contemporary performing arts markets in Asia. This year, HKADC featured the Hong Kong contemporary theatre and xiqu productions. The outstanding works of Spring Glory Cantonese Opera Workshop, Cinematic Theatre Ltd., Utopia Cantonese Opera Workshop and Théâtre de la Feuille were presented to the audiences of PAMS 2017. In addition, HKADC also provided funding support to representatives of 20 small-and-medium-sized arts groups and individual arts practitioners.

To mark this important occasion, a welcome dinner was held for the Hong Kong participants on 15 October, with the attendance overseas guests including Mr Qiu Guohong, Chinese Ambassador to South Korea and representatives from overseas arts festival and arts agents around the world and Korea arts sector: Ms Andrea Snyder from American Dance Abroad, Ms Carolelinda Dickey from Tanzmesse, Germany, Mr Andrew Wood from San Francisco International Arts Festival, the US, Mr Francesc Casadesus from Grec Festival, Barcelona, Spain, Ms Heidi Kibirsky from Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, the US, Ms Katarina Lindholm from Dance Info Finland and representatives from TPAM - Performing Arts Meeting in Yokohama, Japan, Bangkok Theatre Network, Thailand, Indonesia Dance Festival. Representing HKADC at the dinner were Chairman Dr Wong Ying-wai, Wilfred; Council Members Mr Lee Chun-leung, Indy, Dr Ng Kit-chong, Johnny, Ms Mui Cheuk-yin and Chief Executive Ms Winsome Chow.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr Wong Ying-wai, Wilfred said, “HKADC had led Hong Kong artists to participate in large-scale international arts events to present their artistic excellence in recent years. This year, HKADC returned to PAMS again with an unprecedented-scale of delegation from the Hong Kong performing arts sector to present the creativity and vibrancy of Hong Kong arts scene.”

Major showcases of HKADC in PAMS 2017 included:

-	Full version of Backstage by Spring Glory Cantonese Opera Workshop, Watching U… by Cinematic Theatre Ltd. and ArenA by Utopia Cantonese Opera Workshop in the PAMS Link programme;
-	Papa of Théâtre de la Feuille at the PAMS International Showcase. The physical theatrical work explored the relationship between modern family members;
-	PAMS Night - HK, a networking party supported by Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Tokyo) of the HKSAR Government to help local artists and arts groups to connect with their overseas counterparts for future exchange and collaborations with more than 100 participants.
-	A booth at the PAMS exhibition to promote Hong Kong performing arts. The Local Performing Arts Directory was distributed to introduce the artistic and cultural characteristics and the works of various Hong Kong performing arts groups and artists.

About PAMS (Performing Arts Markets in Seoul) 2017
Since 2005, PAMS has been held annually in Seoul, Korea during October as an important arts expo for contemporary performing arts in Asia. Organised by Korea Arts Management Service, PAMS strives to provide a platform for networking and exchange of artistic visions, the latest trends of performing arts between arts practitioners from Korea and abroad. It also facilitates creations and productions of performing artworks and their promotion abroad. Apart from performances, symposiums, talks and networking activities, a series of extension arts events will also be held during PAMS. More information of PAMS 2017 is available at the website http://pams.or.kr.