ChinaSPAF 2026 | Call for Applications: Pitch Session & Showcase
The 25th China Shanghai International Arts Festival, hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China and organized by the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, is scheduled to take place from October to November 2026.
ChinaSPAF 2026 will be held from 14–17 October 2026. As a key component of the Festival and one of the most influential performing arts marketplaces in the Asia-Pacific region, ChinaSPAF annually attracts major global arts organizations and industry elites. It serves as a premier hub for exploring cooperation, pitching projects, and connecting with the international market.
During the event, the Pitch Session and Showcase will remain the core highlights, gathering industry leaders to discover and promote high-quality new performing arts projects from China and abroad.
Selected by a panel of senior Chinese and international experts and guest advisors—hailing from prestigious institutions such as ISPA, Edinburgh International Festival, Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay (Singapore), Australian Performing Arts Market (APAM), China Association of Performing Arts (CAPA), etc.—the program will feature around 30 pitch projects and 15 showcases.
Shortlisted teams will receive Full Passes to ChinaSPAF 2026 and an official stage to pitch directly to top-tier international curators and buyers, participate in one-on-one meetings, and secure global touring opportunities.
I. Pitch Session: Application Guidelines
The 2026 Pitch Session will feature two categories: "Going to Chinese Mainland!" and "Going to the World!", held on October 16.
Approximately 15 overseas and 15 Chinese Mainland projects will be selected. Each team will have 10 minutes (7-minute pitch + 3-minute Q&A), followed by targeted one-on-one meetings.
1. Timeline
Now – May 15: Application Period
Late May – Late June: Selection Process
Late July: Announcement of shortlisted projects
October 16: Pitch Session ("Going to Chinese Mainland!" & "Going to the World!")
2. Eligibility
We welcome applications from performing arts practitioners worldwide—including creative teams, performing companies, production houses, agencies, individual artists, and independent producers, etc.—who are seeking to present new or signature works to industry authorities. Applications are open to applicants from all nationalities and regions.
3. Requirements
1.High artistic quality, production maturity, and international market potential.
2.Open to tour-ready projects, upcoming premieres, and works-in-progress/new commissions.
3."Going to Chinese Mainland!": Open to all overseas projects (including international and HK/Macao/Taiwan), regardless of the entity's place of registration.
4."Going to the World!": Open to all Chinese Mainland projects, regardless of the entity's place of registration.
5.Projects shortlisted for any past Pitch Session of ChinaSPAF are NOT eligible.
6.No application fee. However, all shortlisted teams must cover their own travel and accommodation costs to/in Shanghai.
4. Application Materials
1. Project Dossier: A comprehensive introduction including, but not limited to, the project synopsis, company profile, bios of the creative team and lead performers, touring history, awards, and critical acclaim/media reviews.
(Note: Providing materials in Chinese is highly recommended to maximize visibility among Chinese buyers.)
2.Video Links:
1)Teaser/Trailer: 1 HD promotional clip (within 2 minutes).
2)For tour-ready or premiere-pending projects: 1 live performance video (at least 15 minutes).
3)For works-in-progress: 1 rehearsal video (at least 15 minutes).
(Note: All videos must be uploaded to globally accessible platforms such as Google Drive or Vimeo with permanent access enabled.)
3.Visual Assets: 1 high-resolution vertical poster and 3–5 high-res production stills (minimum 1MB per image).
4.Technical Rider: A complete technical specifications document. (For works-in-progress, a preliminary technical requirement list is acceptable.)
5. How to Apply
Please select the appropriate track based on your project’s target:
Going to Chinese Mainland!
Going to the World!
*After submission, please await further communication from ChinaSPAF Team following the review process.
*Deadline: May 15, 2026, 23:59 (GMT +8).
*Shortlisted teams will receive 2 complimentary Full Passes to ChinaSPAF 2026 and a dedicated table for one-on-one meetings.
II. Showcase: Application Guidelines
The selection for this year’s Showcase will be curated by festival’s programming team in collaboration with a specially invited International Advisory Board. Approximately 15 performing arts groups or artists will be selected to present 30-minute live showcases from October 14–17 across various venues, including the New Bund 31 Performing Arts Center (Grand Theatre), Black Box, outdoor stages, and the Lyceum Theatre. This is a prime opportunity to captivate international festival curators, venue managers, and industry leaders through the power of "liveness."
1.Timeline
Now – May 15: Application Period
Late May – Late August: Selection & Review Process
Early September: Announcement of Shortlisted Projects
October 14–17: Showcase
2.Eligibility
We welcome applications from performing arts practitioners worldwide—including creative teams, performing companies, production houses, agencies, individual artists, and independent producers, etc.—who are seeking to present new or signature works to industry authorities. Applications are open to all nationalities and regions.
3. Requirements
1.High artistic quality, production maturity, and international market potential.
2.Open to tour-ready projects, upcoming premieres, and works-in-progress/new commissions.
3.Projects with a cast/crew size of/under 10, minimal language barriers, and adaptable technical requirements that facilitate touring are more likely to stand out during the Advisory Board’s selection process.
4.Works-in-progress or projects in the incubation stage are NOT eligible for the Showcase.
5.Projects shortlisted for any past Showcase of ChinaSPAF are NOT eligible.
6. No application fee. However, all shortlisted teams must cover their own travel and accommodation costs to/in Shanghai.
4. Application Materials
1.Project Dossier: A comprehensive introduction including the synopsis, company profile, bios of the creative team and key cast, touring history, awards, and critical acclaim.
2.Video Link: 1 video (max. 30 minutes). The content and duration must exactly match the planned live showcase.
(Note: Please upload to globally accessible platforms such as Google Drive or Vimeo with permanent access enabled.)
3.Technical Rider: Detailed technical specifications, including stage plot, lighting, and sound requirements.
4.Visual Assets: 1 high-resolution vertical poster and 3–5 high-res production stills (minimum 1MB per image).
5. How to Apply
*After submission, please await further communication from ChinaSPAF Team following the review process.
*Deadline: May 15, 2026, 23:59 (GMT +8).
*Shortlisted teams will receive 2 complimentary Full Passes to ChinaSPAF and a dedicated table for one-on-one meetings.
*Shortlisted projects will be provided with a performance space and partial technical support. Rehearsal and performance schedules, as well as specific venues and equipment, are subject to mutual agreement and ChinaSPAF Team’s final arrangements.
Contact
Program Exchange Department, The Center for China Shanghai International Arts Festival
Email: chinaspaf@artsbird.com
Tel:
International: +86 21-5265 4016 (Feifei /Summer)
Domestic: +86 21-5265 4018 (Ada)