• The second edition of HKPAX will bring together more than 40 performances under International Showcase and Pitching, alongside over 30 thoughtfully curated dialogue and exchange sessions, further strengthening its role as a platform that connects the performing arts sector and promotes exchange, connectivity, and collaboration.
• Presenters comprise artists and arts groups from five continents, underscoring HKPAX’s steadily rising international profile and its expanding reach across the globe.
• A brand-new sector, Hong Kong Chapters, debuts in the second edition of HKPAX, spotlighting works by local independent artists and small and medium-sized arts groups and foregrounding Hong Kong’s distinctive yet diverse artistic voices.
• Presenting exceptional works across dance, theatre, music, xiqu and multidisciplinary arts, HKPAX strengthens its positioning as the region’s premium marketplace and platform for performing arts.
• HKPAX also features partner programmes showcasing the diverse artistic landscape of Hong Kong and beyond, as well as public engagement initiatives connecting visitors and the wider community.

 

Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC) today announces highlights and the lineup of key sectors of Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo 2026 (HKPAX), including International Showcase, Pitching and Hong Kong Chapter. To be held from 9 to 13 October 2026, HKPAX 2026 provide a professional networking platform for arts professionals across the globe to showcase their work to international peers, exchange ideas, explore collaborations, identify latest industry trends, and experience the diverse art and culture landscape of China, including Hong Kong, Asia and beyond. Passes for the second edition of HKPAX are available on the event’s official website, with early bird discount available for Standard Pass from now until 17 July 2026.

The Hon Kenneth Fok, BBS, JP, Chairman of HKADC said, “The return of HKPAX comes at an important juncture for Hong Kong’s cultural development. It aligns with the Government’s Blueprint for Arts, Culture and Creative Industries Development, and responds to the cultural direction outlined in the National 15^th Five‑Year Plan, striving to establish an international platform to foster cultural and artistic exchange between China and the rest of the world. Building on the strong foundation established by its inaugural edition, which facilitated many new professional connections, collaborations, and touring opportunities, HKPAX has demonstrated its value as a connector‑platform for the international and regional performing arts community. By convening artists, arts groups, institutions, presenters, and industry leaders from across different regions, HKPAX creates favourable conditions for exchange and long-term collaboration within the sector, while shining a spotlight on Hong Kong’s vibrant performing arts landscape. It supports local arts and culture in reaching international audiences and consolidates Hong Kong's position as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.”

Industry participants from the inaugural edition noted that HKPAX fostered cross-regional exchange, broadened perspectives, and led to tangible touring opportunities and cross-border co-productions, significantly benefiting their professional development, and expressed their anticipation of returning this October.

This year’s HKPAX embraces the theme “Passion in Motion”, framing the performing arts as a dynamic, vibrant, and ever-evolving field. HKPAX 2026 will feature a thoughtfully curated programme spanning multiple strands, including International Showcase, Pitching, Hong Kong Chapter, Conversations, Networking, Exchange Avenue, Partner Programmes, Cultural Offerings, and GBA Performing Arts Tour. These programmes altogether invite global arts professionals to explore, experience, and exchange, fostering partnerships and creating synergic opportunities that strengthen the performing arts sector in Hong Kong and enrich the global performing arts scene.

HKPAX also embraces city-wide participation through a diverse array of performances, public programmes, and cultural experiences, offering local and international audiences’ opportunities to experience Hong Kong’s unique culture and vibrant performing arts scene.

HKPAX will also present a range of public programmes, including staging a four-day pre-opening prelude featuring free performances, encouraging city-wide participation and public engagement. Through its rich line-up of performances and cultural experiences, both local and international audiences will have the opportunity to experience Hong Kong’s unique cultural character and its vibrant performing arts landscape.

Sponsored by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, and organised by HKADC, HKPAX is a flagship platform for cultural exchange and collaboration. Through featuring groundbreaking performances and a series of professional networking activities, HKPAX fosters meaningful dialogue and interaction among global arts institutions and practitioners. The inaugural Expo featured over 1,600 arts leaders and practitioners from a wide span of 60 regions and countries and attracted over 32,000 attendees and audiences.

In addition, the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA) will organise the Association of Asia Pacific Performing Arts Centres (AAPPAC) Annual Conference 2026 at Freespace in the West Kowloon Cultural District from 6 to 9 October ahead of HKPAX. With major international industry events taking place consecutively in Hong Kong, this further reinforces the city’s position as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. To foster cross-platform synergy, HKPAX and The AAPPAC 2026 Hong Kong Conference have jointly launched the “AAPPAC × HKPAX Bundle”, offering a 10% off discount to delegates who purchase both an HKPAX Standard Pass and a ticket to the AAPPAC 2026 Hong Kong Conference.

HKPAX Passes

Passes for HKPAX are available in three categories: the Standard Pass, Day Pass, and Student Pass. The Standard Pass is priced at HK$ 1,560. A 20% early bird discount will be offered during the advanced registration period, reducing the price to HK$ 1,250. Hong Kong ats practitioner are eligible for a separate concessionary rate of 50%, with the Standard Pass available at HK$ 780. A Day Pass is available at HK$ 390, while the Student Pass is offered at a concessionary rate of HK$ 150.

Participants can access HKPAX’s various sectors hosted at a wide range of venues with HKPAX passes. Different pass types grant varying levels of access, while the Standard Pass provides full access to the breadth of HKPAX. Early bird registration runs from now until 17 July 2026. For the latest programme updates and ticketing details, please visit the HKPAX website www.hkpax.org.hk.

Key Sectors

Opening Showcase
Opening HKPAX 2026 is City Reverie, a multidisciplinary performance that brings together media art, piano music, and emotional tracking technology to explore the emotional pulse of Hong Kong. Created by Joel Kwong, Vvzela Kook, Fung Lam and Silver Cheung, City Reverie is part of ARTS · TECH 4.0, an annual flagship initiative presented by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council.

The Opening Showcase will be held on Friday, 9 October 2026 at the Studio Theatre of Hong Kong Cultural Centre, and is exclusively accessible to Standard Pass holders.

International Showcase
International Showcase brings exceptional works by professional artists and performing arts groups from around the world, presenting audiences with sensational and creative production. Carefully selected from hundreds of submissions across more than 80 countries and regions, the performances encompass an array of art forms including theatre, dance, music, and multi-disciplinary arts. Staged across 13 venues of varying sizes and technical features, the showcase offers industry professionals a comprehensive, up-to-date view of the artistic breadth and production capabilities of the best and brightest. This year, International Showcase brings together 15 programmes by artists and arts groups from 14 countries and regions, reflecting the International Showcase’s broad global reach and cultural diversity.

International Showcase is accessible to holders of the Standard Pass and Student Pass. For programme details and performance information, please visit the official HKPAX website www.hkpax.org.hk. The full programme list is set out in the appendix.

Pitching
Pitching is a dynamic sector designed for international artists and performing arts troupes to pitch projects to a global assembly of presenters, producers, agents, venues, funding bodies, curators, and arts professionals. Spanning early‑stage creative ideas, works-in-progress, or fully realised pieces ready for touring or collaboration, these pitch sessions provide a focused setting for exploring business prospects, identifying potential partners, and exchanging insights with artists and industry professionals from around the world. This sector brings together 18 works by artists and companies from 15 countries and regions, reflecting a broad international scope.

Pitching is organised into two sessions, Pitching I: Dance & Multidisciplinary Arts and Pitching II: Drama, Music & Multidisciplinary Arts, both held at the Studio Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, on Sunday, 11 October 2026. This sector is accessible to holders of the Standard Pass, Day Pass, and Student Pass. The full programme list is set out in the appendix.

Hong Kong Chapter
Hong Kong Chapter is a sector dedicated to showcasing Hong Kong’s distinctive artistic visions and practices through concise 20‑minute presentations, demonstrations or excerpts, highlighting both emerging creative ideas and mature works. This sector brings together 10 independent artists, small and medium-sized arts groups from Hong Kong, offering international industry professionals a valuable window into Hong Kong’s performing arts ecosystem.

Hong Kong Chapter is organised into two sessions, both held at the Theatre at the East Kowloon Cultural Centre, on Monday, 12 October 2026. This sector is accessible to holders of the Standard Pass, Day Pass, and Student Pass. The full programme list is set out in the appendix.

Conversations
The Conversations sector of HKPAX brings arts leaders, producers, and creators into dialogue around the forces shaping the performing arts today. Key formats include: “Creative Dialogue” and “Off-stage Talk” series feature visionary voices on global trends; “Regional Snapshot” offer timely insights from different parts of the world; the “Off-book Debate” encourages honest exchange on industry challenges; while the speed-brainstorming event “Lightning Table” sparks fast‑paced, peer‑led discussions. Through these initiatives, participants may gain new perspectives and practical tools to keep driving the industry forward.

Conversation is accessible to holders of the Standard Pass, Day Pass, and Student Pass. The lineup and details of Conversation will be announced on the official HKPAX website www.hkpax.org.hk.

Exchange Avenue
The Exchange Avenue is a dedicated exhibition space for participating institutions and arts groups to introduce innovative ideas, works, and projects to HKPAX participants. It’s an expo experience that doubles as a hub for dialogue, partnership‑building, and discovery of business opportunities across international markets. This year, Exchange Avenue will take place at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre along the stunning Victoria Harbour waterfront. It is expected to be the meeting hub for global and local arts professionals. Applications are now open until Friday, 17 July 2026 at 23:59 (HKT). Exhibition Spot rental is subject to availability.

Networking
From structured networking activities, interactive breakout sessions, to evening gatherings, this curated series of networking events celebrate the connections that fuel creative collaboration, offering valuable opportunities for participants to expand their connections and cultivate meaningful partnerships. When the sun goes down, evening mixers offer a more relaxed setting to deepen relationships and share inspiration. From meaningful conversations to spontaneous encounters, these moments open doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and long‑term collaborations that extend beyond HKPAX.

Partner Programmes
Featured productions organised by the region’s major arts and culture institutions, the Partner Programmes line-up is a rich spectrum of performances and activities that fully showcase the dynamism of performing arts scene of Hong Kong and beyond. Presented by major performing arts institutions, companies, and arts and culture collectives in the city and in the region, including China Performing Arts Agency, Xinjiang Performing Arts and Culture Co., Ltd., The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, Hong Kong Dance Company, Hong Kong Fringe Club, Hong Kong Sinfonietta, Opera Hong Kong, Tai Kwun, Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, WestK Performing Arts. Together these programmes highlight the artistic excellence and community ethos of the region’s performers and performances.

Public Engagement
The public programmes of HKPAX invite local audiences and visitors to experience the vitality of the performing arts first-hand. Through a series of free programmes, the initiative transforms HKPAX into a shared cultural experience for the city – celebrating the ways artistic creativity connects with the public and giving HKPAX participants a chance to observe and connect with the audience.

Apart from free programmes, the opening showcase City Reverie and two International Showcase performances of broad appeal and suitable for all ages will also be presented as public programmes. The public ticketed showing of City Reverie will be staged on Thursday, 8 October 2026 at the Studio Theatre of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The International Showcase public performances will take place on Sunday, 11 October 2026 at the East Kowloon Cultural Centre, including An Isolated Case by Arte un rato (Chile), and Paradisum by Recirquel Cirque Danse by Bence Vági (Hungary). Tickets will be available on URBTIX in August. Programme and ticketing details will be announced on the official HKPAX website www.hkpax.org.hk.

Cultural Offerings
Cultural Offerings invite delegates to immerse themselves in Hong Kong’s vibrant cultural life, beyond the official venues. These add-on experiences highlight the city’s distinctive character – its creative neighbourhoods, rich traditions, and urban culture.

Greater Bay Area Performing Arts Tour
After HKPAX concludes, participants can opt to join a tour of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) to explore the cultural ecosystem and market trends of the Greater Bay Area.

Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo 2026 — Key Dates

Pass and exhibition booth registration opens	From now on
Early-bird offer and exhibition booth registration deadline	17 July 2026
Public ticket sales begin	Mid-August 2026
Open Prologue	6 - 9 October 2026
Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo 2026	9 - 13 October 2026

 

HKPAX 2026 extends its sincere thanks to the following sponsors and partners for their generous support:

Sponsored by	Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China
Lead Venue Partner	Leisure and Cultural Services Department
Programme Partners	China Performing Arts Agency, Xinjiang Performing Arts and Culture Co., Ltd., The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, Hong Kong Dance Company, Hong Kong Fringe Club, Hong Kong Sinfonietta, Opera Hong Kong, Tai Kwun, Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, WestK Performing Arts, Xiqu Centre, WestK
Official Carrier	Cathay Pacific
Supporting Partners	Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hung Fook Tong Holdings Limited, The Garden Company Limited, Tom Lee Music, School of Creative Media of City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong Shue Yan University, Lingnan University, The Education University of Hong Kong, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Official Hotel	Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers
Hotel Partners	B P International, Eaton Hong Kong, Hotel Stage, ibis Hong Kong Central & Sheung Wan, Prince Hotel, The Park Lane Hong Kong

HKPAX also extends its heartfelt gratitude to CCMG Cultural Creative Development Co.,Ltd. (Beijing), a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Cultural Media Group, for its initiative to present a curated selection of exceptional performing arts projects from the Chinese Mainland. This showcase the achievements of the region's performing arts sector and supports the introduction of high-quality productions onto a broader international stage.

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