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From December 1 to 3, 2024, the West Kowloon Cultural District (WestK) and the Federation for Asian Cultural Promotion (FACP) co-hosted the 2024 Annual FACP Conference in Hong Kong, whose theme was “Beyond Borders, Beyond Imagination — Today’s Arts Tech.,” bringing industry leaders, artists, and technologists together to explore the intersection of performing arts and cutting-edge technology. Keynote Speech & Forum Through keynote speeches and panel discussions, participants examined the transformative impact of technology on the arts. FACP Members & Hong Kong WestK Program Committee Keynote Speech 1 New Business Models and Innovation for the Arts & Culture Industry Merging technology into opera to create visual content, innovative event formats and custom-made video design systems, Mr. Paolo Gep Cucco explored how creativity drives the future of arts and culture, highlighting innovative business models shaped by globalization and digitalization. Paolo Gep Cucco, Creative Director, D-Wok As the Creative Director of D-WOK and former Creative Director of Prodea Group, he has directed major events, including the Dubai Water Canal Grand Opening and the 2011 World Archery Game Opening Ceremony. Circular See-Through LED Technology, Turandot In opera, Mr. Paolo Gep Cucco has designed entertainment and video for productions at prestigious theaters, including La Scala and Sydney Opera House. In 2023, he co-directed his first film, The Opera!, using Europe's most advanced virtual set at Prodea Led Studios. Discussion with Johannes Mueller (Director of msm-productions) and Margaret Yang ( CEO of Hong Kong Sinfonietta ) Mr. Paolo Gep Cucco shared insights on adapting to evolving audience expectations through cutting-edge design, technology, and storytelling, redefining the ecosystem of the cultural industry. During the discussion, he continued to emphasize how these tools can redefine the cultural industry ecosystem, offering new opportunities for collaboration, audience engagement, and content distribution in a digital-first world. Forum 1 Advanced ArtsTech Impacts on the Future Creations of the Performing Arts How is ArtsTech transforming the performing arts, blending the real and virtual worlds to create groundbreaking experiences? Four extraordinary speakers from diverse professional fields gathered to explore this exciting shift. Yoshitaka Hirooka: The Fusion of Tradition and Innovation Creates the Path to the Future Mr. Yoshitaka Hirooka kicked things off with his insights into merging tradition and innovation. As Managing Director of the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra , Mr. Hirooka has been at the forefront of creating performances with virtual artists. Yoshitaka Hirooka presents the AI pianists He shared his journey, from the early challenges to the creative breakthroughs that allowed him to blend live music with digital artistry, setting the stage for understanding how digital tools can reshape traditional forms of performance. Building on this theme, Ms. Hsiao-Mei Ho took us further into the world of dance, showing how the art form transcends physical and cultural boundaries. Hsiao-Mei Ho: Bridging Worlds Through Dance: From Theater to VR and Beyond As the founder of MeimageDance , Ms. Ho has embraced virtual reality as a way to amplify the power of dance, creating immersive works like Sister Lin Tou: The Lost Limbo . Her work bridges theater and technology, offering a glimpse into how VR can transport dancers and audiences into entirely new realms of creativity. Mr. Septime Webre then brought a fresh perspective on how new media can reshape ballet for the future. As Artistic Director of Hong Kong Ballet , he spoke about the exciting possibilities new technologies bring to the stage, particularly in reimagining classical ballets. Septime Webre: ArtsTech X Ballet - New Tools for a New Era He illustrated how digital tools offer deeper levels of audience engagement, allowing them to connect with performances in ways that weren’t possible before. On The Other Earth: An Immersive Museum Exhibition cooperated with Hong Kong Ballet, Jeffrey Shaw, and Wayne McGregor Finally, Mr. Jeffrey Shaw closed the session with his decades of experience in pioneering new media art. His work in immersive environments and interactive media has revolutionized theater, dance, and music. Jeffrey Shaw, Chair Professor, Academy of Visual Arts, School of Creative Arts, Hong Kong Baptist University; Director, HKBU Visualization Research Centre Drawing on his experiences with artists like William Forsythe and Saburo Teshigawara, demonstrated how interactive and immersive technologies can transform audience perceptions, creating not just performances, but living, breathing experiences. Discussion with four speakers and Martin Lopez, FACP Manila Governor & Senior Director of the Far Eastern University Center for the Arts Through their talks, it became clear: the future of the performing arts is not just digital—it’s a thrilling blend of the real and the virtual. Keynote Speech 2 Decoding the Performing Arts Market — How Big Data Changes Marketing Strategy In an era where the boundaries between technology and art are increasingly blurred, Mr. Steven Choi, Head of Tencent Cloud , Hong Kong, delivers a compelling keynote on how big data and advanced technologies are reshaping the performing arts market. Steven Choi: Bridging Art and Technology for Creativity and Productivity - Tencent Cloud Mr. Choi began by introducing Tencent’s multifaceted role in the tech industry. Known globally for platforms like WeChat, QQ, and its dominance in gaming, Tencent is also a leader in cloud solutions and digital content innovation. Its cutting-edge technologies—ranging from generative AI (GenAI) to digital humans, VR, and AR—are not only enhancing Tencent’s own business but also empowering enterprise customers in content creation and artistic endeavors. Steven Choi presents the journey of analyzing customers data Drawing on over decades experience in IT and digital transformation, Mr. Choi explained how big data is revolutionizing marketing strategies for the performing arts. By analyzing customer preferences, engagement patterns, and demographic data, arts organizations can craft highly targeted campaigns that resonate with modern audiences. Discussion with Joyce Chiou ( Chairperson of FACP, General and Artistic Director of the National Taichung Theater ) and Paul Tam ( Executive Director, Performing Arts of West Kowloon Cultural District Authority ) Forum 2 Technology and Architecture in the Performing Arts Venues How about creating venues that inspire innovation, empower artists, and connect audiences in new and meaningful ways? The second forum brought together three visionary leaders who are transforming performing arts spaces into hubs of creativity, technology, and collaboration. Carrie Lo, Chief Manager of East Kowloon Cultural Centre (EKCC) Ms. Carrie Lo opened the discussion with an inspiring look at how the East Kowloon Cultural Centre (EKCC) is blending art with technology to redefine the cultural landscape in Hong Kong. By merging artistry and innovation, EKCC is setting the stage for the next chapter in the performing arts, positioning itself as a leader in arts technology. She described EKCC as more than just a venue—it’s a playground for experimentation, where digital tools like virtual reality, interactive installations, and immersive audio-visual experiences elevate performances to new heights. Frank Yeung, Head of Theatre Planning, West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA) Building on Carrie’s focus on innovation, Mr. Frank Yeung introduced the architectural and operational philosophies behind the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) . As the Head of Theatre Planning, Frank has played a pivotal role in designing venues that cater to diverse performance styles—from intimate Cantonese opera performances to grand-scale outdoor events. Mr. Frank shared that the district’s venues are meticulously designed with artists and audiences in mind, ensuring spaces are not only visually stunning but also highly functional, highlighting WKCD’s integration of public spaces, educational initiatives, and world-class performance facilities. Cho Jung Yun, Executive Director, Cultural Affairs Busan Cultural Foundation Dr. Cho Jung Yun expanded the conversation by bringing in the Korean perspective, where performing arts venues in regional areas are leading a quiet revolution. He described how Korea has invested in building state-of-the-art venues, such as opera houses and concert halls, outside its major cities. He also highlighted the policies supporting these venues, including funding for resident companies and programs that encourage international exchange. By fostering partnerships between regional councils, cultural foundations, and artists, Korea is strengthening its local arts ecosystem while connecting to broader Asian and global networks. Discussion with three speakers and Wan-Jung Wei, Executive Director of OISTAT What made this forum truly compelling was the synergy between the speakers’ perspectives. They painted a picture of a future where performing arts venues are not just buildings but dynamic spaces that spark creativity, foster innovation, and bring people together. Hong Kong Local Art Groups The final highlight of the 2024 FACP Hong Kong Conference was an enriching series of studio visits to three of Hong Kong’s most iconic art organizations, allowing participants to experience firsthand the diverse and dynamic cultural practices unique to Hong Kong. Rehearsal piece inspired by Chinese drumbeat The first stop was the Hong Kong Dance Company (HKDC) , where they observed a rehearsal for a contemporary dance piece inspired by the rhythms and energy of the traditional Chinese drumbeat. Since its founding in 1981, HKDC has been dedicated to merging the cultural heritage of Chinese dance with modern artistic vision. FACP & HKDC This rehearsal gave a glimpse into how the company seamlessly blends these two worlds, crafting works that resonate with audiences locally and internationally. HKDC’s influence in the global arts scene is evident through its performances at renowned venues such as the Lincoln Center in New York and the Southbank Centre in London. Rehearsal: One Beat, One World: Connecting Through the Drum Next, participants visited the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (HKCO) , where they witnessed a rehearsal of One Beat, One World: Connecting Through the Drum  as part of the Drum Carnival. Established in 1977, the HKCO has earned international acclaim as a leader in Chinese ethnic music and a cultural ambassador of Hong Kong. FACP & HKCO Their performance transcended traditional Chinese music, blending ancient instruments with contemporary compositions to create a fusion that echoed throughout their rehearsal. The orchestra's efforts in promoting Chinese music worldwide and their innovative contributions to the arts were truly inspiring. Marble Leung, Executive Director, HKRT The final one took place at the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre (HKRT) , where participants had the chance to view a short video of their upcoming Cantonese musical: The Impossible Trial - a musical . Founded in 1977, HKRT is the city’s largest professional theatre company, renowned for its wide-ranging repertory that blends Western and Eastern theatrical traditions. FACP & HKRT The company's work is deeply rooted in Hong Kong’s cultural landscape, often exploring the city’s complex identity and human experiences through a unique lens. The video provided a sneak peek into the Cantonese performances that have made HKRT a pillar of Hong Kong’s theatre community. 2025 Bucheon Conference - See You There! City Report of 2025 FACP Bucheon Conference, presents by Bo-mi Yoon, General Manager, Bucheon Arts Center With meticulous planning and a bold vision for the future, Bucheon is ready to set the stage for an unforgettable gathering of cultural leaders and innovators. Don't hesitate! Join us, Embrace the Arts!

🎵Best Music Production/Performance Award, 2024 Clare C. & Friends Fellowship About Pipe Organ Through East and West “Pipe Organ Through East and West” is an innovative project that fuses the majestic sounds of the Western pipe organ with traditional Chinese instruments, creating a cross-cultural musical dialogue. Inspired by the idea of expanding the organ's repertoire, the project integrates instruments like the suona and erhu to highlight the universality of music and foster appreciation for both traditions. Premiered at the 3rd International Organ and Sacred Music Festival in Madrid in 2023, it captivated audiences and received further recognition with an invitation to the 71st Settimana Organistica Internazionale in Piacenza, Italy, in 2024. Featuring pieces such as Horse Racing, Spring Blossom, and Song of Heroes, the repertoire blends vibrant traditional Chinese melodies with the grandeur of the organ, presenting new auditory landscapes. With plans to expand its reach through performances, workshops, and digital broadcasts, the project aspires to deepen cultural intersections and inspire global audiences. About Artists Eric Chan, a Hong Kong native, began his musical journey at four, mastering piano and violin before graduating with distinction from the Royal College of Music in London, earning an Artist Diploma, Master of Performance, and Bachelor of Music. A celebrated organist and composer, Eric has won prestigious accolades such as the Harold Darke Memorial Prize and holds the record for the highest Artist Diploma recital score in RCM history. He has performed over 30 international recitals in iconic venues like St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Sagrada Família, and Vienna's Peterskirche, while collaborating with esteemed orchestras, including the Royal College of Music Symphony Orchestra under Sir Antonio Pappano. A versatile composer, Eric’s works, such as Spring Blossom, blend traditional Chinese instruments with the organ, earning acclaim at international festivals. Currently a lecturer at Hong Kong Baptist University and an organ instructor at Shenzhen Concert Hall, Eric continues to push cultural boundaries. In 2024, he will embark on a European tour supported by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council, with a notable performance at Italy's Settimana Organistica Internazionale Festival. Upcoming Shows Nov 2025 - International Düsseldorf Organ Festival, Germany Nov 2025 - Orgelski Festival at Koper, Slovenia May 2026 - St. Paul’s Cathedral Melbourne, Australia May 2026 - Auckland Town Hall, New Zealand July 2026 - Organove Festival Slovakia" Contact Eric CHAN Email: ericchanmusician@gmail.com

🥇 1st Prize & FACP Members Choice , 2024 Clare C. & Friends Fellowship About AI Master This project leverages real-time motion capture and AI algorithms to explore new forms of movement, integrating Unity machine learning with live body motion to reinterpret and transform the human form, offering a fresh perspective on anatomy. By combining dance and algorithmic frameworks, it delves into post-human narratives, examining imaginative possibilities and inherent limitations. A central feature is an AI embodiment, trained via machine learning, engaging in a street dance battle with a human performer, creating a dynamic interplay of human-machine interactions. The audience actively participates as judges, enhancing engagement and bridging the realms of art and technology. About Artists HSIUNG Shih-Hsiang, Director | Developing Producer Hsiung identifies himself as a wanderer and a humanoid interface. He creates pieces through various artistic forms, including dance, theater, performance, and technology. Hsiung excels at uncovering the extraordinary within the ordinary and integrating these discoveries into a distinctive creative methodology. As a guide on this artistic journey, he leads audiences into the deeper landscapes of phenomena. HUNG Yi-po, Performer | Unity Engineer Hung Yi-Po graduated from the Department of Media Communication Design at Shih Chien University, specializing in Innovative Media Design. Currently a street dancer and freelance artist, his work primarily focuses on the intersection of street dance and technological art. He excels at recognizing the frameworks and limitations of both technology and the human body. After grasping their feasibility and infeasibility, he seeks to dismantle and reconstruct these elements, facilitating a dialogue between technology and bodily expression. Upcoming Shows 2025 September: Plan to participate in Ars Electronica festival for Premiere 2026 March to May: Potential Dates for Showcase Contact HSIUNG Shih-Hsiang Email: ml82134612@gmail.com Instagram: alexhsiung807

🥈 2nd Prize, 2023 FACP - Clare C. & Friends Fellowship About Beyond the Shore Beyond the Shore is an ongoing oceanic artistic research project that delves into the realm of sea myths and legends, livelihoods from ancient times, and speculative futures. Focusing on Inter-Asian maritime histories and feminist mythologies, this project connects people from in-land to sea civilisations through research, public sharing, and performances, and invites alternative modes of thinking from a land-based to a sea-based perspective. The work also works from a relational approach between various cultures across geographical locations. This project aims for an interactive exhibition with speculative fiction, ai-generated images, moving image mapping, knot art, and live dance performances which connect mythological sea stories. It intertwines digital and physical art and a live performance connecting the sense of time. Through this immersive exhibition, the audience is invited to re-imagine their relationship to East Asian ocean myths, folklores, and histories, and discover traces of sea civilisations from prehistoric times to their speculative futures. About Alysa Leung@ If Time's Limited This research is initiated by artist Alysa Leung, scholar Dr. Evelyn Wan, and filmmaker Anson Sham. In different editions of the research and performance, we collaborate with other artists and creative partners. Creative Team Artist: Alysa Leung Dramaturg: Dr.Evelyn Wan (HK/NL) Installation and Sound Artist: Dr. Ayami Charlie Oki-Siekierczak (JP) Video editing and mapping: Anson Sham (HK) Lighting Design: Lai Tsz Yu Sound Artist: Senju HITACHI (SekikomiGohan) Live Music (Handpan): Ding Ho Fung Upcoming Shows Mar 2, 2025 1430 - 1510 (Cantonese) 1630 - 1710 (English) 1930 - 2010 (Cantonese) McAulay Studio, Hong Kong Arts Centre Ticket Link: 《順藤摸路》跨代社區遊走式音樂舞蹈劇場 | art-mate.net Contact Alysa LEUNG Email: lhy.alysa@gmail.com If Time's Limited 如果时间有限公司 Email: iftimeslimited@gmail.com Website: Beyond The Shore | If times limited If Time's Limited

🥈 2nd Prize, 2024 Clare C. & Friends Fellowship About The Peter Pan After a century of varied interpretations, HUNG DANCE's rendition of "Peter Pan," choreographed by LAI Hung-Chung, emerges as a compelling testament to cross-cultural exploration, drawing inspiration from J.M. Barrie's seminal work, "The Little White Bird." This dynamic production delves into the core of Peter Pan's essence, the eternal child, weaving together Eastern and Western artistic forms in a seamless fusion. About LAI Hung-Chung & HUNG DANCE Lai Hung-Chung, a Taiwan National University of Arts graduate, founded Hung Dance in 2017, leaving a remarkable imprint on Taiwanese choreography. In 2016, he won gold and three awards at the Taiwan Creative Dance Competition, a record-setting feat. Lai's triumphs extended globally, garnering accolades in international choreography competitions. "Taiwanese choreographer Lai Hung-Chung continues to show he’s a rising star." — Lucy Ribchester, The List. Upcoming Shows "The Peter Pan" by LAI Hung-Chung, Hung Dance PREMIERE | July 27-28, 2024, at National Taichung Theater Playhouse (Taiwan), part of the festival "NTT SUMMER FUN TIME" TOUR AVAILABILITY | Open to discuss 2025-2027 The Peter Pan - Teaser The Peter Pan - Full Video Contact LAI Hung-Chung Email: hcl@hungdance.com HUNG DANCE Email: hungdance@hungdance.com Website: http://hungdance.com/

🥇 1st Prize, 2023 Clare C. & Friends Fellowship Experience the transcendent beauty of ‘Birdy,’ a Taiwanese masterpiece enchanting global audiences. This contemporary dance, celebrated in France and debuting at the American Dance Festival, reinterprets Western myths and Eastern opera traditions, unfolding a poetic journey of individual and collective soaring. Born from LAI Hung-chung’s unapologetic desire for flight, ‘Birdy’ has evolved into an octet production, circling the globe after a sold-out run at the Festival Off Avignon. This visually stunning performance weaves Western mythology and Eastern traditions, challenging ‘restriction’ through graceful movements and striking symbolism. A poetic response to whether ‘every free flight is born from a restriction,’ the dance explores life and nation’s unsteady skies. Join us as contemporary dance confronts contemporary issues, transforming feathers into wings. Don’t miss this unforgettable journey at the 2024 ADF. “Birdy, une sublime chorégraphie.” —Youness Bousenna, La Provence Upcoming Shows “Birdy" by LAI Hung-Chung, Hung Dance Dates: 3.23 Sat & 3.24 Sun, 2024 Venue: WEIWUYING PLAYHOUSE, Kaohsiung, Taiwan Presenter: LAI HUNG CHUNG Contact CHANG Hsin-i riva0820@gmail.com http://hungdance.com/ Back to 2023 FACP - Clare C. & Friends Fellowship

🥈 2nd Prize, 2023 FACP - Clare C. & Friends Fellowship Resident lsland Dance Theatre, an emotionally thrilling, physically integrated quartet co-choreographed by RlDT’s Artistic Director CHANG Chung-an and French dance maker Maylis ARRABlT. The 55-minute piece is performed by two dancers in wheel- chairs and two standing dancers. As the world locked down during the COVlD-19 pandemic, the work took shape—to explore the different ways that people navigate and connect in their own cultural environments. lt evokes the coexistence between parallel realities, separated by space-time and at the same time, united by it. lce Age challenges external forces and shows us the potential of a physically, mentally, and emotionally integrated world. Upcoming Shows KIADA Korea International Accessible Dance Festival August 2024 - Coming soon! Contact HSIAO Shu-lin ridt.taiwan@gmail.com sayakaxaw1028@gmail.com More Resident lsland Dance Theatre http://www.ridttaiwan.com Back to 2023 FACP - Clare C. & Friends Fellowship

🥉 3rd Prize, 2023 FACP - Clare C. & Friends Fellowship 🏅 FACP Members' Choice, 2023 FACP - Clare C. & Friends Fellowship Bodies are like vessels drifting with the waves of the ocean; perhaps we will only begin to understand each other as we leave our islands. lnspired by choreographer WANG Yeu-kwn’s 2019 trip to lndonesia in search of a giant fish— the self-identification. WANG invites his long time friend, Danang PAMUNGKAS, an lndonesian dance artist who once worked in Taiwan, to go on this search together. They will conduct a dialogue by exploring the cultural heritage hidden in each other’s body and movements in search of “who l am (who we are).” Contact WANG Yeu-kwn shimmeringproduction@gmail.com https://shimmeringproduction.com Back to 2023 FACP - Clare C. & Friends Fellowship

🥉 3rd Prize, 2023 FACP - Clare C. & Friends Fellowship If people don't go to the theatre why don't we just go to them? If we want to bring the beauty of dance to more people who never watched dance before, why don't we just show them that your daily partner can become your dance partner? Uber Dance seeks to dismantle the divide between the general public and contemporary dance by leveraging the iconic cultural motif of the 'motorcycle/scooter' in Taiwan. The project also aims to explore how motorcycle structure diversifies the body movement, and the possibility to integrate the work into different corners of the city via its mobility. Upcoming Shows October - November 2024 - Coming soon! Contact HUANG Shuo-te arthurh82@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552938860253 Back to 2023 FACP - Clare C. & Friends Fellowship

🥉 3rd Prize, 2023 FACP - Clare C. & Friends Fellowship "Healing should be the main theme of the following dance research, based on the previous three-staged study of Taoist funeral ritual. The city (Hong Kong) has been unstable in recent years. People have experienced separation in different ways without choice. l hope Hell Door Breaking can bring a therapeutic effect to people who live here, with the courage to face the living and death, stay and leave, and face the future and ourselves." - Terry TSANG Hell Door Breaking is a humanity and ritual dance research for everyone worldwide, also simultaneously engaging in cooperation with dancers from different nations and races. Contact: Terry TSANG terrytsang1992513@yahoo.com.hk https://linktr.ee/LaboraTerryArts Back to 2023 FACP - Clare C. & Friends Fellowship

🏅 FACP Members' Choice, 2023 FACP - Clare C. & Friends Fellowship AΦE is a Chatham (UK) based dance company founded by accomplished dancers Aoi NAKAMURA (Japanese) and Esteban LECOQ (French) in 2016. Through the artistic and technological research, AΦE incorporates cutting-edge technology into its performances to reinvent the audience experience. As trailblazers in the sector, AΦE wants to rethink live performances. ln only 6 years, they have established the company as one of the leading dance companies working with technology and garnered the support of some of the most presti- gious venues around the world, including Sadler’s Wells in London, the Sydney Festival and Théâtre de Chaillot in Paris. Contact: Esteban LECOQ esteban@aoiesteban.com https://aoiesteban.com/ Back to 2023 FACP - Clare C. & Friends Fellowship

🏅 FACP Members' Choice, 2023 FACP - Clare C. & Friends Fellowship The show is about a magician who uses magic to tell the story of another magician. The story took place in London at the dawn of the twentieth century. The world-fa- mous Chinese magician CHUNG Ling-soo performed in London every night. The audience went crazy for his magic and Gocked to see this oriental man wearing a long robe. ln fact, CHUNG Ling-soo was not even Chinese. Role Play explores various ways of “role-playing.” Through the perspective of the magician LlN Lu-chieh, the production discusses the intriguing connection between LlN himself and the magician CHUNG Ling-soo. Contact LIN Lu-chieh luchiehlin@gmail.com More Lu Production / LIN Lu-chieh https://www.luchieh.com Back to 2023 FACP - Clare C. & Friends Fellowship