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2023 FACP Annual Conference in Kaohsiung at "Everyone's" Weiwuying
by LIU Chun-liang
From November 23 to 26, 2023, Weiwuying and the Federation for Asian Cultural Promotion (FACP) put on the 2023 Annual Conference of the FACP in Kaohsiung, whose theme was "Next Stage, Green Generation – Sustainability in Culture and Performing Arts," discussing how to make the performing arts sustainable and recent developments. A new aspect of the event was Pitch for New Aspects, for which submissions from young artists around the world were recruited with the incentive of prize money.
Founded in 1979, the FACP focuses on Asian culture promotion and exchanges and allows people in the sector to meet each other. City-based, its over 80 members include professional performers, agents, performance groups, and organizations. Headed by a board of governors, it is a non-profit organization that maintains political neutrality and holds an annual conference each year in a different city.
Joyce CHIOU, the General and Artistic Director at the National Taichung Theater, is the current FACP chairperson. The conference allows the governors and members not only to vote on major issues and take part in exchanges but also to hold forums, visit local arts centers, and put on performances that are related to the host city and its performing arts sector. In 2020, the conference was hosted by Weiwuying online, during which were an International Symposium and Academy for Creative Producers. This year, Weiwuying hosted the event again, this time in person. For those of you who didn't make it, keep reading to see what happened!
Tjimur Dance Theatre opened the event under the fantasy-like glow of lights and the moon at the Crown Terrace. The Pipa, performed in memory of FACP cofounder HSU Po-yun, was extremely touching. And the several shows by groups from the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Taiwan for the Asian Gems in the Arts event were brilliant.
With the theme of "ESG- Art as a Corporate Investment," Deputy Executive Secretary CHEN Wei-ru of the CTBC Foundation for Arts and Culture and Artistic Director CHENG Chia-yin of Puppet and Its Double discussed in detail the rural education program Dreams Initiative Project. Chief Culture Officer Jane LIN of Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co. talked about the "Kaohsiung mode," for which employees at her company trying to lose weight teamed up with Weiwuying's Reading Corner: For every kilogram lost, an employee could donate one book to the Reading Corner.
How can creativity integrate its locality? Executive Director of Performing Arts Paul TAM at the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and the Chief Assistant to the General Producer Keisuke INNAMI at Knowledge Capital Association talked about specific strategies for public and private agencies. Artistic Director of Our Theatre WANG Jhao-cian discussed initiating the Grasstraw Festival. Marketing and PR officer Viv LU for Megaport Festival shared about this both local and international festival. And a 17-year-old at the public forum took the initiative to ask if she could be a volunteer at Weiwuying, showing FACP members the friendliness of Kaohsiung's locals.
Exposure and exchange for young artists was also a highlight of the event. Pitch for New Aspects recruited submissions that contain both tradition and innovation in lightweight and sustainable creative proposals, offering contestants awards and prize money. Taiwanese Hung Dance's Birdy took first, and Taiwanese groups also won second prize, third prize, and two of the three FACP Members' Choice Awards. Artists shortlisted as finalists were awarded membership eligibility for a year and the opportunity to take part in the entire conference. The event What's Up Café – Clinics for the Arts allowed for greater in-depth exchange between artists and art organizations to give them a better understanding of various art and culture mechanisms, resources, and strategies.
Regarding sustainability, the forum emphasized starting with the details. Weiwuying provided reusable cups, recyclable tableware, and cards for public transportation with a 72-hour validity. The MRT, light rail, and old-fashioned walking were the modes of choice for transportation to local arts centers, Pier 2, and the Kaohsiung Music Center – a good way to both lose weight and reduce carbon emissions! Moreover, as the majority of the event staff consisted of women, the contribution of womanpower to sustainability was highlighted.
The environment, culture, and art are to be shared and shouldered by all. This year's event stirred up a sense of boundless beauty within our limited resources. These in-depth exchanges complied perfectly with Weiwuying's persistently held vision of making art something that belongs to everyone.
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