About the Hong Kong Arts Festival

DESCRIPTION:

The Hong Kong Arts Festival, inaugurated in 1973, is an annual event that has become a cornerstone of the city's cultural landscape. Each year, typically between February and March, the festival transforms Hong Kong into a hub of artistic activity, showcasing diverse performances and cultural events.

The primary objective of the festival is to enrich Hong Kong's cultural life and promote the work of both local and international performing artists. It has grown to be one of Asia's most significant arts festivals, attracting thousands of artists and visitors from around the globe. The festival's programming is expansive, featuring a mix of music, dance, theatre, and opera with contemporary and traditional performances, showcasing talent and artistic disciplines.

Several well-known artists have participated in the festival, including Cecilia Bartoli, José Carreras, Yo-Yo Ma, Philip Glass, and Mikhail Baryshnikov. Additionally, the festival actively promotes local creative talent. The art fair has commissioned and produced over 200 local productions, including theater, chamber opera, and contemporary dance, for successful local and overseas runs.

In addition to live performances, the festival strongly emphasizes educational events and opportunities for young people to explore the performing arts. This commitment is evident in its "H.K.A.F Young Friends" program, which has connected with over 782,000 students of varying ages since 1992. The festival also supports local talent by commissioning and producing local works in theater, chamber opera, Cantonese opera, music, and contemporary dance.

The Hong Kong Arts Festival showcases artistic excellence and serves as a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue. It is vital in promoting cultural diversity and inclusivity by presenting artistic expressions from different traditions and backgrounds. The festival's impact extends beyond the performances, contributing significantly to the city's cultural tourism and providing a platform for emerging artists to shine alongside established performers.

As a non-profit organization, the Hong Kong Arts Festival sustains itself through box office promotions, private donations, and a government matching scheme, which matches the funds raised by the festival. The festival's success is a testament to the dedicated team of organizers and volunteers working tirelessly to create an enriching experience for performers and audiences​​​​​​.