The World Association for Performing Arts (WAPA) was initiated and established in 2020, and formally completed its registration in 2023, becoming an international, professional and non-profit social organization with independent legal personality. Composed of performing arts institutions such as theatres, cultural groups, art colleges and cultural companies on a voluntary basis, WAPA currently has 46 member institutions from 30 countries, with its headquarters located in Beijing, China.
The mission of the WAPA is to build an open and multilateral exchange platform so as to promote the international development of performing arts with national and regional characteristics, the integration of science and technology with performing arts and the exchange and mutual learning and common prosperity of world civilizations.
As an important organization of the performing arts sector, the WAPA facilitates bilateral and multilateral cooperation in joint production, tours and visits, digital resources and talent training among performing arts institutions of various countries. It regularly holds three major forums, namely, the Beijing Forum for Performing Arts, the Beijing Forum for Symphonic Music, and the NCPA Taihu International Stage Art Forum, and organises key brand events such as the International Opera Film Exhibition and the online concert series Music from Around the World, etc.
Set at the NCPA, the WAPA Secretariat carries out daily operation of member services and website maintenance, strengthening communication with member institutions.
The Council is the executive organ of the General Meeting, with its members elected by the General Meeting from among the members, and shall lead the WAPA's daily work when the General Meeting is not in session. The Council shall be responsible to the General Meeting.
The Secretariat is the standing office of the WAPA. Its main duties include communications with members, operation of daily business of the WAPA, management of the logo and brand of the WAPA, provision of secretarial services to the General Meeting and the Council, consultation about the time and venue of the General Meeting and other secretarial activities. The National Centre for the Performing Arts of China functions as the Secretariat of the WAPA.
Contact WAPA secretariat: secretariat@wapa.art
