As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to break new ground across the globe, the performing arts find themselves on the threshold of a new era, one where creativity and technology harmonise. Given the high-level integration of tech into performing arts, how do we ensure imagination, creativity, morals and emotional resonance remain the bedrock of the arts?
These are among the questions that will be explored at HKAPA's “PerformTech Symposium 2027: Art Tech, Attuned", to be held in early February 2027. The Academy's six Schools will team up to bring together scholars, specialists and industry practitioners from various sectors to share insight and advice, all with an aim of exploring how technological reorientation could shape the future of the performing arts.
Widely recognised as a leading performing arts institution in Asia, the Academy has played an increasingly important role in advancing dialogue on Art Tech. Following the inaugural PerformTech Symposium in 2024, which explored the future of performing arts in an era of rapid technological change, the Academy continues to lead the discussion, collaborations and experimentation across disciplines. "There hasn't been much discussion on how Art Tech can be applied in the performing arts," notes Allen Fung, Head of Media Design and Technology of School of Theatre & Entertainment Arts (TEA), and one of the organisers of the first symposium. "The Academy hopes the coming symposium will focus on the subject. The last one was very well received. We will strive to ensure discussions are aligned with current developments in the area, and that a platform is in place for cross-disciplinary dialogue across performance, technology, education and cultural practices."
On the Same Wavelength
Building on reflections on the last symposium, the next symposium's theme will be "Digital Pulse, Human Hearts". For Ian Leung, Head of Academic Studies and Postgraduate Programme Leader at the School of TEA, one of the persistent challenges facing the industry is the perception that technology and art move at different speeds. "The general impression is that technology is moving much faster than art," Ian says. “But the facts may indicate otherwise. Charging ahead with a purely tech-led approach lacking in artistic vision or training could result in misjudgement, from R&D to execution – numerous 'outcomes' but without necessary gatekeeping or a core direction.” Efforts at coordinating the two must make sure art and technology are on the same wavelength. They must be equals and thoroughly merged.
Thought-Provoking Themes
Under the umbrella theme, three secondary threads will be developed: "Attuned Practice", "Co-existence", and "Critical Gaps". The performing arts are manifestations of "Attuned Practice". This thread stresses that technological development should be "people"-driven, striving for collaboration and interactive dialogue. Their basis lies in experience and culture, with AI as an enhancement. The second sub-theme explores the path to harmonious coexistence between human intelligence and AI. If there's an incongruity or imbalance of power, synergy cannot be attained.
"Critical Gaps" references the cultural gap in current AI models. "In the early stages of development, most mainstream models were built on Western languages and paradigms, so there's bound to be bias towards certain aesthetic or ethical standards," Ian stresses. "For instance, 'beauty' – Western conventions lean towards symmetry in contrast to Eastern aesthetics that may favour curves and rounded contours. Current AI models may lack such consciousness."
As AI usage and dependence rise among young people, traditional culture and collective memory may eventually vanish from large-scale databases. Ultimately, these cultural traditions could vanish from the global consciousness unless proactive steps are taken to bridge the technological gap.
Discussion to Implementation
The two-day symposium will feature keynote speeches, paper presentations, lecture demonstrations, exhibition of works, and workshops. Kathy Ching, Senior Lecturer in Stage and Event Management at the School of TEA, believes that building connections is just as important as presenting new ideas. "Some speakers come from institutions that have signed MoUs with HKAPA," Kathy notes. “Having them present papers or give lecture demos substantiates collaboration and fosters communication and interaction.”
In addition to invited guests, an open call for papers and lecture demonstrations have also invited submissions from ongoing creative projects and research. The initiative reflects the Academy's commitment to broadening participation and encouraging dialogue across disciplines.
That interdisciplinary spirit is evident throughout the programme. The Academy's six Schools are all contributing to the conversation, drawing on their own experiences of integrating technology into teaching, research and creative practice. "The Schools have all been integrating AI and technology into their programmes," Kathy explains. "For example, the School of Chinese Opera has introduced AI to assist training and teaching; the School of Music has been studying how to use AI in composition, while the School of Dance integrates big data and motion-capture technology in both its research and creative endeavours. By having schools and disciplines share experiences, we hope to encourage industry to consider more creative implementation directions."
This year's event also features industry booths. Alumni of the Academy, corporations and other partners can showcase their technologies on site and explain their work and business. Giving students the chance to experience art-tech concepts from different regions in one place will bring enormous benefits academically and practically.
In Hong Kong, Art Tech is shifting from concept to implementation. The Academy has been leveraging its unique strengths to encourage cross-disciplinary creative experiments, while fostering information exchange and promoting industry initiatives. All three teachers believe the symposium is just the start, and that through dialogue, industry views can be consolidated, future development mapped, and contributions made to the innovation and revolution of Art Tech.