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.