New Hong Kong fringe festival Horizons challenges established arts events
Consisting of 34 performances and 14 events, the independent Horizons Festival will give all box office proceeds to participating artists
This event has been cancelled due to the fire at Wang Fuk Court
In a direct challenge to other Hong Kong arts festivals, a new fringe festival will take place at the Tai Po Arts Centre from November 27 to 30 that operates on a fiercely independent model for which 100 per cent of box office proceeds will be given directly to participating artists.
Organised with local arts collective Blank Space Studio, Horizons Festival will feature a diverse line-up of 34 performances and 14 events led by 27 creative teams from Hong Kong and around the world, including Italy, Singapore, Indonesia, South Africa and Belgium.
The volunteer-run international arts event is built on a foundation of prioritising creative freedom and sustainable practice over profit.
Amy Sze, a theatre director and producer who is one of the lead organisers, says the festival adheres to the open-access and decentralised spirit of fringe festivals and that its independence is based on it being self-funded and run by volunteers.
This approach ensures that artistic decisions remain with the creators and that financial barriers for audiences are reduced: all tickets are priced under HK$200 (US$26) with a “pay more if you can” option.