The 2021 Western Arts Alliance Annual Conference will take place from August 30th to September 2nd with both virtual and in-person events. With the support from the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Taiwan Academy of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles programs the virtual booth, “Story Island,” to attend the annual conference. The booth will present 16 Taiwanese performing arts groups that are slated for touring through America, including Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan, B.DANCE, HORSE, Huang Yi Studio +, Bulareyaung Dance Company, Tjimur Dance Theatre, Hung Dance, Resident Island Dance Theatre, Basiwali, Twincussion, Jin Kwei Lo Puppetry Company, Puppet Beings Theatre, Hong Puppet Theatre, Shan Puppet Theatre, Shakespeare's Wild Sisters Group and Taipei Puppet Theater. Through dance, music and puppetry, these groups invite the attending industry professionals to explore more about Taiwan a storied island with various tales.
Additionally, the conference will hold a workshop entitled “International Collaboration in a Global Pandemic” at 10:15 AM PDT on September 2nd. This workshop will invite Kuen-Yean Hwang (Senior Member of Ju Percussion) and Austin Wang (Director of Taipei Performing Arts Center) with moderator Cindy Hwang (Founder & President, Impulse Creatives) and three other speakers including Alicia Adams (Vice President of International Programming, The Kennedy Center), Hone Kouka (Artistic Director of Kia Mau Festival), and Fabiola Pazmiño (Chief Academic Officer of Galapagos Music Conference).
Established in 1967, Western Arts Alliance (WAA) is a membership association of performing arts professionals throughout the Western United States. WAA’s annual conference takes place each year in August. Since 2017, the Taiwan Academy of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles has participated in these conferences to promote Taiwanese performing arts groups and create future international touring opportunities, elevating the cultural influence of Taiwanese performing arts.