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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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The volunteer-run international arts event is built on a foundation of prioritising creative freedom and sustainable practice over profit.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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 \u201cpay more if you can\u201d option.<\/p>\n
The open call for proposals was also genuinely open in that anyone could pitch their ideas, the organisers stress. There is no theme, ensuring a diverse and decentralised experience. But since there were more than 100 applications and limited time and space, a selection was made by a panel composed of experts from various disciplines on the basis of ensuring something for everyone.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n