Focus on Asia – Dynamics of the Performing Arts in Asia

Following the series Cartography of Residences – Encounters Between Germany and Latin America in October and December of this year, we are changing our focus in January: in the direction of Asia! The goal is to create a shared space for professional exchange, support mutual understanding and sustainably support international collaboration in the field of the independent performing arts in Berlin.

With Focus on Asia, we will turn our gaze to the dynamics of the Asian market and, together with experts, examine the opportunities, challenges and possible paths toward international collaboration in the region.

The program will bring an introductory presentation by Godlive Lawani, an independent curator, distributor, manager and expert in the performing arts in Asia. Lawani will provide initial insight into the Asian market and present a selection of the most important trade fairs, festivals and platforms in Asia. She will moderate the program, together with Catherine Launay from the Berlin Performing Arts Program.

Following this, experts will introduce leading platforms, festivals and networks which connection the Asian community with the international independent performing arts. This includes representatives from South Korea (Performing Arts Market in Seoul – PAMS), Thailand (Bangkok International Performing Arts Meeting – BIPAM), Singapore (The Esplanade Co Ltd), Hong Kong (Tai Kwun), Japan (Yokohama International Performing Arts Meeting – YPAM) and Taiwan (Taipei Performing Arts Festival). In addition, interactive sessions and a shared final discussion will offer the opportunity to reflect upon current trends, exchange strategies and discuss the changing conditions that mark international collaboration with the Asian performing arts sector. With this, we are looking to support professional exchange and initiate new cooperations.

Programme

9:00–10:00 am
Introduction & Lecture

With: Catherine Launay (Berlin Performing Arts Program) & introductory lecture by Godlive Lawani (independent curator, distributor, manager)

10:00–10:30 am
Tai Kwun – Hong Kong

With: tba

10:30–11:00 am
Yokohama International Performing Arts Meeting, YPAM – Japan

With: Tomoyuki Arai, Felicity Chao, Hiromi Maruoka, Ryo Tanaka

11:00–11:30 am
The Esplanade Co Ltd – Singapore

With: Faith Tan (director, programming for dance, theatre, visual arts & international development)

11:30 am – 12:00 pm
South Korea

With: Jin Yim (director, producer, and researcher based in South Korea. She has worked on a wide range of art projects, including performance, theatre, and multidisciplinary art in various spaces. Her main interests lie in public art and international mobility in the performing arts.)

12:00–12:30 pm
Bangkok International Performing Arts, BIPAM – Thailand

With: Peangdao Jariyapun (project manager, communications at BIPAM)

12:30–1:00 pm
Lunch Break

1:00–1:30 pm
Taiwan/Indonesia

With: River Lin (artist & curator, Paris/Taipei), ADAM (a networking event launched in 2017 by the Taipei Performing Arts Center, aiming to create a new arts platform in the Asia-Pacific region), Camping Asia (Camping Asia brings together art students from Asia and Europe for workshops, performances, and morning classes, with a school presentation on the sixth day)

1:30–2:30 pm
Panel Discussion

With: Jin Yim, River Lin, Peangdao Jariyapun

2:30–3:00 pm
Closing

Registration

Participation is free of charge. Please register in advance by January 16, 2026 at catherine.launay [at] pap-berlin.de.

Access

The event will take place online via Zoom. The participation link will be sent by email a few days before the event.

Language

The program will be held in English spoken language. Simultaneous translation into German spoken language is available upon request at the time of registration.