 was established in Beijing, uniting 30 institutions from 19 countries to promote cultural integration, international cooperation, and the power of performing arts. Learn how WAPA aims to bridge divides and strengthen global ties in the world of the arts.){kind=link}
In a momentous announcement on Monday, the World Association for Performing Arts (WAPA) was inaugurated in Beijing, with the participation of 30 esteemed institutions from 19 nations. This international alliance, spearheaded by the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) since its initiation in 2019, is set to be a pivotal force in fostering global cultural exchanges.
Wang Ning, the head of NCPA and the chairperson of WAPA, emphasized the shared destiny of the global performing arts industry. He highlighted the NCPA’s longstanding commitment to promoting cultural integration and people-to-people exchanges between China and foreign nations. The primary objectives of WAPA include establishing an open and multilateral platform for communication, advancing the international development of performing arts, integrating technology with the arts, and promoting mutual exchanges among diverse world civilizations.
As the driving force behind WAPA, NCPA is determined to collaborate with artistic institutions worldwide to support the evolution of performing arts and create a spiritual connection through the shared beauty of global performing arts.
The alliance’s core focus revolves around enhancing operational capabilities, fostering ongoing collaboration between member institutions, and accelerating the transformation of high-quality artistic endeavors into a broader platform for mutual cultural exchanges among civilizations.
Cormac Simms, the administrative director of the Royal Opera in the UK and a council member of WAPA, expressed enthusiasm for the organization’s potential to bolster international cooperation. Simms underscored the significance of theater, music, and performing arts as vehicles for promoting cultural diversity and facilitating international harmony.
Rory Jeffes, international engagement advisor of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in Australia, emphasized WAPA’s role in bridging divides and celebrating common humanity. He stressed that WAPA transcends language and cultural boundaries, uniting people in the joy of being human on this shared planet.
Marcelo Lopes, executive director of the Sao Paulo Symphony Orchestra, echoed the sentiment that music has the power to bring people together, fostering understanding, tolerance, and diversity.
Xu Zhong, head of the Shanghai Opera House, noted that WAPA’s establishment will facilitate connections between domestic performing arts and internationally renowned institutions. He anticipates extensive cooperation between orchestras, particularly in the realm of Chinese symphony music, which has garnered global attention.
In conjunction with the inauguration of WAPA, a parallel symphony music forum is being held, with a special focus on expanding the influence of performing arts institutions among younger demographics. This initiative aims to ensure the longevity and vibrancy of the performing arts on the global stage.
READ MORE: