Performing arts to Taiwan

(Last updated: 21 Nov 2011)

Trends and opportunities

The market

The performing arts market is thriving as a result of increased government support and a growing interest in entertainment and the arts amongst the Taiwanese people. The creative industry as a whole, including performing arts, visual arts, film and publishing, is prioritised by the Taiwanese Government in its economic development plan for the next five years. The Council of Culture Affairs as the government body is the major promoter of performing arts in Taiwan. Relevant programs have been implemented to stimulate and nurture the performing arts sector. Besides the ongoing support to improve the production of performing arts, the government is also building new venues and organising outdoor festivals for presenting a variety of productions.

In addition to the government’s initiatives, private companies are also active in sourcing and presenting international productions to fulfil the increasing audience’s demand. Australian performing arts companies, such as Cirque du Soleil and Really Useful Company, have respectively had successful performances in Taiwan from 2009 to 2011.

The Australian artists' present in Taiwan since 2009 include the following:

Musicals

• Janet Seidel (April 2009)
• Tommy Emmanuel (October 2009)
• Angie Hart (May 2010)
• Suade (November 2010)
• Maske ( February 2011)

Theatrical

• Carmen by Opera Australia (July 2009)
• Australia’s Jump and Musical by Top Chick Management (January 2010)
• The Spheres by Strange Fruit (July 2010, February 2011)
• Opercas by Wilde Applause Pty Ltd (August 2010)
• Tom Tom Crew by Strut & Fret Productions (September 2010)
• Wild Things by Polyglot Theatre (November 2010)
• The Boom Family by Snuff Puppets (November 2010)
• Big Earth by Taikoz ( June 2011)
• We Built This City by Polyglot Theatre ( July 2011)
• Bubble Girls by Aerial Artistry Entertainment Australia ( August 2011)

Dancing

• Mortal Engine by Chunky Move (November 2010)

Opportunities 

The demand mainly comes from venue operators/programmers and festival organisers. Most of the enquiries looking for indoor productions are interested in mainstream artists with high commercial values, such as Australian Ballet and Opera Australia. Besides mainstream artists, companies with striking and unique performances and strong reputations, such as Chunky Move and Idea of North, are also welcomed. Outdoor event organisers are interested in new and innovative productions. A variety of Australian productions have capitalised from the ongoing demand and been present in Taiwan since 2009.

Competitive environment

The biggest competitors for Australian performing artists, including musicians and actors, are from the USA, France, and Japan because of the long-standing culture influence from these countries.

Marketing your products and services

Market entry

Austrade has offices in Taipei and Kaohsiung where the majority of agents and promoters are located. Austrade offices have established strong networks with key players, and on request, can help Australian performing artists enter the market by linking with local agents and raising artist’s profiles and local interest.

Most of the festivals are funded by government through tender process and organised by commercial event organisers that have won the festival tenders. Interested artists are recommended to work closely with Austrade to get updates on tender opportunities.

To raise the interest of price sensitive presenters, agents and promoters, Australian artists are encouraged to apply for funding from federal and state government arts agencies that facilitate and promote performing arts exporters. These grants are usually available for performing artists to travel to overseas markets. If performing artists can secure funding to cover some of their airfare and freight expenses, the costs to agents and promoters is significantly reduced, making the Australian performers a more competitive and attractive proposition. In addition, Australian artists may seek Austrade’s assistance to seek other opportunities in adjoining markets, which may further reduce the travel costs for agents and promoters and increase their interest and capacity to present the work.

Links and industry contacts

Government, business and trade resources

Council of Cultural Affairs – www.cca.gov.tw
Kaohsiung Spring Arts Festival – w4.khcc.gov.tw/ksaf2011
National Chang Kai Shek Cultural Centre – www.ntch.edu.tw
Taipei Children’s Arts Festival – www.taipeicaf.org
Taipei Festival – www.taipeifestival.org
Taipei International Choral Festival – www.ticf.tw/
Taiwan Cultural and Creative Industries – www.cci.org.tw  

Australian resources

Australia-China Council – www.dfat.gov.au/acc
Australia Council for the Arts – www.australiacouncil.gov.au/grants
Australia International Cultural Council – www.dfat.gov.au/aicc/
Independent Producers Australia – www.independentproducersaustralia.com.au