The 59th Western Arts Alliance (WAA) Annual Conference was held in Oakland, California, from September 8 to 11, 2026. Marking its 10th consecutive year at WAA, the Taiwan Academy in Los Angeles presented 14 Taiwanese performing arts groups across dance, music, puppetry, and contemporary theater, with a focus on expanding touring opportunities and professional networks in North America.
This year’s presentation highlighted companies with current or upcoming North American touring plans. Featured groups included Cloud Gate Dance Theatre, Hung Dance, Huang Yi Studio+, Bulareyaung Dance Company, Les Petites Choses Production, Lingering Island Dance Theatre, Ju Percussion Group, Twincussion, Sounding Light, Puppet & Its Double Theater, Studio Monad, Riverbed Theatre, Taipei Li-yuan Peking Opera Theatre, and GuoGuang Opera Company.
Representatives from the Taiwan Academy and participating companies also connected with festivals, performing arts venues, presenters, and arts professionals from across North America. Discussions focused on artistic profiles, touring requirements, and future collaboration opportunities.
Through its continued participation in WAA, the Taiwan Academy aims to strengthen international networks for Taiwanese performing arts and create more opportunities for North American touring and long-term collaboration.