Get ready for a bold new chapter in Hong Kong’s arts scene! A fresh wind of creativity is blowing through the city’s cultural landscape.
The Horizons Festival, a groundbreaking new fringe event, is set to challenge the status quo and redefine the arts festival experience. From November 27 to 30, the Tai Po Arts Centre will buzz with an eclectic mix of performances and events, all under the banner of fierce independence.
Organized in collaboration with the local arts collective Blank Space Studio, this festival is a celebration of creative freedom and sustainable practices. With 34 performances and 14 events led by an impressive 27 creative teams from Hong Kong and beyond, including Italy, Singapore, Indonesia, South Africa, and Belgium, Horizons Festival promises to be a truly international affair.
But here’s where it gets controversial: the festival operates on a unique model where 100% of box office proceeds are given directly to the participating artists. This approach, led by theatre director and producer Amy Sze, ensures that the artists remain in control of their artistic decisions and that financial barriers for audiences are minimized. All tickets are priced affordably, with an option to pay more for those who can, fostering an inclusive and accessible environment.
The festival’s open-access and decentralized spirit is further emphasized by its open call for proposals. Anyone could pitch their ideas, and the organizers emphasize that there was no theme, allowing for a diverse and unconstrained experience. However, with over 100 applications and limited resources, a selection process was necessary. A panel of experts from various disciplines carefully curated the lineup, ensuring something for everyone.
This festival is a bold statement about the power of art and the importance of supporting artists directly. It challenges the traditional profit-driven model and prioritizes the creative process and the artists themselves.
And this is the part most people miss: by cutting out the middlemen and giving power back to the artists, festivals like Horizons can truly thrive and offer unique, authentic experiences.
So, will this new festival model revolutionize the arts scene in Hong Kong? Will it inspire similar initiatives worldwide? What do you think? Join the conversation in the comments and let us know your thoughts on this exciting development!