Horizons Festival HK
HORIZONS FESTIVAL is a fringe festival that promotes the diversity of live performing arts in Hong Kong to a wider audience. The idea stems from (1) a surge in interest in fringe-scale theatres and fringe international touring among local artists in recent years, and (2) a lack of a platform to connect local high-quality works of art with the wider international fringe network.
After intensive research in the last two years, including attending the World Fringe Congress in Stockholm in 2024 and open consultation meetings with various local artists, HORIZONS FESTIVAL is designed to bring together local and international artists and audiences for a weekend carnival at the Tai Po Art Centre from 27-30 November. We are now calling for performances/projects for artists with an idea/developing work to apply. The call is open to all artists, including international artists.
Festival Framework
#Diverse programme
We aim to curate a diverse programme that encompasses theatre, dance, family shows, multidisciplinary live experiences, language-accessible events (non-verbal or with English and Chinese subtitles) and more.
#Varying formats
We welcome works in development that align with our vision to encourage new and innovative creative ideas. We will examine what stage the proposal idea/project is in and suggest various ways of presentation, including full show, work-in-progress, scratch/excerpts, and more.
#Artist talk & workshop
There will be artist talks and workshop sessions, encouraging communication between artists, and providing an interaction platform to conntect artists, audiences, and local communities.
If you want to...
#Create new work and get feedback from the audience
We encourage artists to present new works/scratch, or work-in-progress, allowing the audience’s reactions and inspiring further refinement of the work. It may also offer a unique opportunity for audiences to engage with the creative process, building an equal and interactive performance-audience relationship.
#Take part in international fringe festivals in the future
We will invite international fringe delegates (festival organisers and curators) to the festival and watch various performances, increasing exposure for local artists. An industry meet-up will be organised to provide an opportunity for festival organisers to introduce their festivals to Hong Kong artists, inviting them to learn more about international performing opportunities.
#Look for a peer-learning opportunity
We support artists in arranging workshops to demonstrate their creative practices and processes. Participants from different backgrounds will share knowledge and experiences, exploring collaboration opportunities in the future.
Artist Support
#Wide array of venues
The festival will take place in Tai Po Arts Centre (TPAC), including the white box, black box, dance studio and outdoor space.
#Production and technical support
We will provide corresponding production and technical support for you to produce high-quality work with limited resources and time.
#Box office
All shortlisted projects will be offered at least two performance slots. You will get 100% of the net box office (after deducting ticketing and credit card charges). If you are planning to hold a workshop, the ticket income from the workshop will become another source of income.
#Festival pass
You will receive a free festival pass to watch other artists’ practices and join the artist networking sessions to meet your peers..
Timetable
11 Jul
26 Jul & 15 Aug
27 Aug
On/before 8 Sep
Sep - Nov
Early Oct
24 - 26 Nov
27 - 30 Nov
Open Call (Local / International artists)
Applications closed
Result announcement
The festival team will provide technical and promotional support
Programmes open for sale
Rehearsal and workshops
Horizons Festival
FAQ
Who can apply?
Open to all. Individuals, groups, or organisations can submit applications. Applicants from all backgrounds are welcome to participate.
Who are the members of the guest curatorial panel?
A guest curatorial panel will be composed of industry professionals. The panel will discuss with the festival team to finalise a programme of no less than 7 artist groups to participate in the Horizons Festival.
How to apply?
Submit the application form.
What is the assessment criterion?
Below are the curatorial priorities:
New work/new ideas/emerging artists
Multidisciplinary live arts
Performance duration of no more than 70 minutes (excluding durational performance)
We aim to curate a diverse program that encompasses theatre, dance, stand-up comedy, family shows, multidisciplinary live arts, language-accessible events (non-verbal or with English and Chinese subtitles) and site-specific experience.
We highly encourage works which are still under development, aligning with the festival's vision to encourage new and innovative creative ideas. We will examine what stage the proposal idea/project is in and suggest various ways of performing, including but not limited to full show, work-in-progress, scratch/excerpts, or presentations
Can I apply with more than one idea?
Yes, but please consider your capacity for presenting work. We will also prioritise having different artists in the programming.
Are there any registration fees?
Free of charge.
When is the application closed?
27 August 2025 11:59 PM (HKT)
When will results be announced?
We aim to inform all applicants by 8 September. Unsucessful applicants will receive feedback from the festival team/guest panel.
Where will the Horizons festival take place?
The festival will take place in Tai Po Arts Centre (TPAC), including the white box, black box, dance studio, and outdoor space.
Other questions?
Online information sessions will be arranged for artists interested in the festival to learn about expectations and obligations of taking part in the festival, with support in drafting the open call application and presenting their idea hollistically. The sessions will be held on 26 July from 5 PM to 7 PM and on 15 August from 8 PM to 10 PM (HKT).
If you could not attend the online information session, you may contact us via email (info@horizonsfesthk.com) or WhatsApp (+852 5184 0748) for more details.
Is there a minimum duration for the performance?
We suggest a duration of 30-50minutes, and no longer than 70minutes unless your work is durational. But we can definitely consider shorter works and will suggest ways of fitting into the festival programme, such as combining with other performances as double or triple bill.
Would works performed not in Cantonese be a disadvantage?
Not necessarily! We can also consider creating captions for the performance with support from the festival.
My work has been premiered somewhere else/in Hong Kong before. Can I still apply?
Yes! Not a problem at all.
Can I submit a playreading proposal?
Absolutely, but you will need to provide details about how you plan to make the performance happen, such as having a director or certain cast members confirmed. Unfortunately we do not accept pure script submissions.
What is the Horizons festival?
HORIZONS FESTIVAL is a fringe festival that promotes the diversity of live performing arts in Hong Kong to a wider audience.
Venue info
Black Box
Audience capacity: Max 90
Whole area: 190 m2
End on seating will be installed
White Box
Audience capacity: Max 50
Whole area: 143 m2
Flexible seating based on performance needs
