West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and Hong Kong Arts Development Council Lead Hong Kong Dance Artists at internationale tanzmesse nrw 2018

(25 July 2018, Hong Kong) The West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA) is partnering with the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC) to lead a delegation of dance artists to one of the largest biennial professional dance gatherings, the internationale tanzmesse nrw 2018 (Tanzmesse) from 29 August to 1 September 2018. This delegation features the diversity and dynamics of Hong Kong’s contemporary dance scene.

The Tanzmesse fair brings together more than 1,900 artists and industry representatives from over 50 countries across Europe, the United States, Africa, and Asia. HKADC led Hong Kong’s inaugural representation at Tanzmesse 2016 with a delegation composed of around 60 Hong Kong contemporary artists and arts administrators. This year, a delegation of over 50 choreographers, producers and arts administrators will be hosted by HKADC and organised by WKCDA to participate in Tanzmesse. Under the theme ‘Dance in Hong Kong’, the participation aims to elevate the visibility of Hong Kong’s contemporary dance performances on the global stage and provide local dancers with an opportunity to initiate artistic dialogue with international peers.

WKCDA and HKADC will have an exhibition booth (booth 27) during the four-day fair to host meetings for participating artists, producers, dance groups and representatives of arts organisations. WKCDA also will organize a “Networking Reception” to enhance exchange and enable the artists to establish crucial networks and engage in conversations with international dance counterparts. WKCDA will also organise a “Breakfast Presentation” to introduce the newly established Asia Network for Dance (AND+), which is dedicated to linking, developing and enhancing dance practices in Asia.

In addition to the exhibition booth, the HKADC dance group members selected and recommended 13 original works from Hong Kong for potential showcase at Tanzmesse, which selected So Low by Lai Tak-wai and Contempo Lion Dance (Working Title) by Daniel Yeung to be featured and performed as a part of the fair’s Performance Programme and Open Studio series. The two performances are funded by HKADC to support Hong Kong artists in presenting the optimal gateway for Hong Kong’s creativity and talent to go abroad. HKADC is also supporting 15 local dance artists and arts administrators to participate in this high-impact international contemporary dance event, to broaden the exposure of local dancers in the international dance market, establish global connections, and increase artistic exchanges.

Alison Friedman, Artistic Director, Performing Arts, WKCDA, emphasised the advantages of elevating the international stature of local dance communities through this collaboration at Tanzmesse 2018: “WKCDA is glad to be partnering with HKADC to organise Hong Kong’s representation at this important industry conference. We are committed to the cultivation of artistic talent and the promotion of cultural exchange between Hong Kong artists and their international peers. Tanzmesse provides Hong Kong’s artists a critical platform to showcase their works on the world stage. We are thrilled to celebrate Hong Kong dance and dancers.”

Winsome Chow, Chief Executive of HKADC, said: “After taking local dance artists and producers to Tanzmesse for the first time in 2016, HKADC is delighted to collaborate with WKCDA this year to promote local talent and showcase their diversified contemporary dance works internationally once more. We hope to expand the overseas market and deepen the connections between Hong Kong contemporary dance artists and their international counterparts. We encourage them to explore future collaboration opportunities through exchanging views and ideas. We expect the exchange can provide new vision and creativity for the Hong Kong dance sector and explore the possibilities of contemporary dance.” 

Anna CY Chan, Head of Dance, Performing Arts, WKCDA, stressed the importance of participation in the Tanzmesse: “Tanzmesse is one of the most significant international dance gatherings, attracting dance artists from around the world every two years. Through the exhibition booth, we offer space for Hong Kong artists to engage in conversations with artists from different backgrounds, to exchange ideas and encourage cross-cultural collaboration. Tanzmesse also offers a wealth of events in the performance programme and talk series, which can provide valuable inspiration for future work development, and a precious opportunity for Hong Kong artists to learn and model from.”

General Information

internationale tanzmesse nrw 2018 booth details

‘Dance in Hong Kong’ booth                             
Date: 30 August to 1 September 2018                          
Venue: Booth 27

Networking Reception
Date: 30 August 2018
Time: 1:30pm
Venue: Booth 27

Breakfast Presentation: Asia Network for Dance (AND+)
Date: 30 August 2018
Time: 9:00am
Venue: Café, NRW-Forum Düsseldorf
Content: This talk will share the formation process and collective outcome of the two years discussion including the structure, vision and missions of the network and how it connects with other similar network and projects around the world.
Facilitator: Anna CY Chan (Head of Dance, Performing Arts, WKCDA)
Panel: Jacky Fung (Manager, Programme & China Dance Development, City Contemporary Dance Company & CCDC Dance Centre)
Ahram Gwak (Chief Producer, Korea National Contemporary Dance Company)