On the morning of today (September 29), the Information Office of Shanghai Municipality held a press briefing for the 23rd China Shanghai International Arts Festival. Zhong Xiaomin, director of the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, provided an overview of the festival’s key arrangements. Cui Yinglan, deputy Party Secretary of Bureau of International Exchange and Cooperation, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Long Wanli, deputy chief of Jing’an District, Yin Xin, deputy director and deputy Editor-in-Chief of Shanghai Media Group, and Li Ming, president of the China Shanghai International Arts Festival Center attended the briefing and answered questions from reporters.The 23rd China Shanghai International Arts Festival will take place from October 18 to November 17. Staying true to its mission of being “a grand celebration of arts for all,” the festival will feature eight major sections, including stage performances, public activities, arts education, young artists support initiatives, performing arts conference, international dialogues, citywide events, and integration and innovation. With over 300 performances, nearly 1,000 exhibitions, and participation from nearly 5,000 artists from more than 80 countries and regions, the festival aims to create a cultural brand of global influence through high-quality content, enhanced cooperation and exchanges, and innovative experiences.I. Connecting the World’s Top Performing Arts Resources to Foster Cross-Civilization ExchangeThis October, the China Shanghai International Arts Festival leverages global resources, aligning with international stages to contribute Shanghai’s strength to the cultural exchange and mutual learning between Chinese and foreign civilizations in the new era.1. A Hub for Global Artistic ExcellenceThis year’s festival will showcase 57 main performances across 163 programs, with around 60% coming from international performers and over 90% making their Shanghai debut. The festival will also feature 20 exhibitions and events at top art venues in Shanghai, with 85% being first-time exhibitions, further highlighting the city’s global cultural outlook. The much-anticipated opening performance, the original dance drama Li Qingzhao, and the closing concert with Tugan Sokhiev, Zhang Haochen, and the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, will follow the tradition of pairing a Chinese and an international performance to promote cross-cultural exchange. Renowned artists and companies like Alexandre Kantorow, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Ballets de Monte-Carlo will take the stage, underscoring the festival’s global brand influence.2. Breathing New Life into Traditional CultureThe festival will debut original works like The Book of Life and Ice Breaker, combining strong artistic, ideological, and commercial appeal. Themes such as “Poetry Feast and Cultural Gathering” and “Bringing Cultural Relics to Life” will feature works like The Union of Oasis and Nine Odes, showcasing the dynamic creativity of Chinese literature and arts. The Beijing People’s Art Theater will host its “Shanghai Home” for a month, presenting the Beijing- and Shanghai-specific programs to foster cultural dialogue between the north and south. Additionally, the festival will feature a series of stage arts performances in Shanghai to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, fully demonstrating the booming creativity of the festival in creating arts works.3. Strengthening International CooperationThe International Performing Arts Conference will gather 500 professional institutions, including the European Festivals Association, along with 2,000 industry professionals to discuss global performing arts trends. The festival will also sign a 5-year strategic cooperation agreement with the International Society for the Performing Arts and host the Silk Road International Arts Festival Alliance Annual Meeting, with an aim to cement its role as the most influential cultural exchange platform in the Asia-Pacific region. International dialogues will focus on emerging trends in the global performing arts market through nine forums, demonstrating the festival’s cohesion and leadership in the global arts community.II. Creating a City of Arts for the PeopleThe festival embraces the concept of a “people’s city,” maximizing the spillover effect of high-quality cultural resources to foster an atmosphere where art is woven into the fabric of the entire city.1. Crafting a New Urban Cultural LandscapeAs the “Art Space” brand celebrates its 10th anniversary, the festival will bring over 60 performances across the city, featuring tailored activities that highlight the unique characteristics of waterfronts, parks, and aesthetic spaces. High-quality performing arts will be shared with residents of Shanghai’s five new towns, transforming the city into a “theater without walls.”2. Creating a Grand Stage for Aesthetic EducationWith nearly 30 programs and over 90 art education activities, the festival will host initiatives such as “Students Arts Jury” and “101 Arts Institute.” By showcasing top-notch youth dramas and inviting renowned artists to campuses, the festival aims to offer a rich, multi-layered platform for teachers and students, expanding the reach and diversity of aesthetic education.3. Elevating Cultural Benefits for the PeopleMore than 8,000 discounted ticket s— averaging half-price — will be made available both online and offline, addressing public demand with practical, accessible offerings. Additionally, the festival will partner with the Shanghai Charity Foundation to launch the “Love Arts” public welfare initiative, enriching lives through accessible performances and inclusive viewing experiences.III. Elevating the Integration of Culture and Tourism: Crafting a Shanghai Model for Innovative DevelopmentThis year’s festival has enhanced its role as a cultural “engine” by drawing crowds, driving traffic, and boosting consumption through innovations in content, reimagined experiences, and upgraded engagement.1. Fueling Cultural InnovationThe Rising Artists’ Works marks the start of a new decade, bringing together 12 renowned artists like Pu Cunxin, Liao Changyong, Shen Wei, and Ding Yi to form a new art committee. This initiative aims to build a comprehensive support platform for young talent, guiding them through creation, performance, and international exposure. Through nine stage productions — such as Jin Shijia’s Trial Collection — and two visual art projects, the festival will showcase the contemporary perspectives and unique voices of emerging artists.2. Pioneering New Breakthroughs in LeadershipTaking Shanghai as its anchor, the festival is establishing a national cultural service network to support regional culture and industry development. By creating satellite venues in Wuxi (Jiangsu), Nanxun (Zhejiang), and Huangshan (Anhui), it aims to foster cultural and tourism integration across neighboring provinces. Additionally, the festival will debut the Shanghai International Digital Music Week and feature specialized events like Shanghai International Magic Week and Shanghai International Puppet Art Week, offering fresh, trend-forward cultural experiences.3. Building New Cultural, Commerce, and Tourism ExperiencesThe festival will partner closely with the Shanghai Tourism Festival, Shanghai International Artwork Trade Week, and the 2024 Shanghai Autumn Arts Festival to create immersive cultural experiences. For the first time, themed tickets for performances and exhibitions like “Meet Dunhuang” and “British Classics” will link iconic cultural venues and urban spaces. Moreover, in cooperation with commercial properties, the festival will host over 20 immersive performances at modern landmarks, blending art with commerce to attract domestic and international tourists to “Meet in Shanghai.”