衛武營國家藝術文化中心 National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Weiwuying)

Since 2015, the Weiwuying Academy for Creative Producers series has cultivated producers, arts administrators and practitioners in diverse arts fields to establish sustainable professional development, as well as provide new ideas for the performing arts industry in Taiwan and Asia. In 2023, Weiwuying has invited experienced practitioners from Factory International to bring their International Producer's Training Program to share practical experiences with emerging and mid-career creative professionals and producers.

The creation and touring of large-scale original artist-led commissions for high-profile festivals and international touring is a complex and resource-intensive undertaking. The role of the producer is fundamental to navigating that complexity and realizing the artistic vision within possible resources. 

A producer learns by producing; this 4 day program that runs from 16th – 19th February gets as close to that as possible. It will give participants the tools to scale up their current experience through case studies, practical exercises, taught activities and peer learning.. It will provide participants with a practical understanding of the skills and knowledge required for the role of an international or touring producer. The program will have a focus on producing large-scale interdisciplinary work for performance and international touring in established venues, site-specific locations and festivals. 

The training program have been taught both in-person and online and have received rave reviews from Hong Kong, Canada, and Russia. The topics shared during the training can be adapted to suit local needs and include sharing on urgent topics like sustainability, diversity and inclusivity.

On the last afternoon of the program (Feb. 19), the Factory International team will hold a public talk to share the story, strategy and impact of Manchester International Festival and to look ahead at the vision and mission of MIF's new home, Factory International, which will open in June 2023. 

Factory International 

Factory International is a global destination for arts, music and culture, opening in the heart of Manchester in 2023. Factory International will commission and present a year-round program of original creative work, music and special events at its landmark new venue, online, and world-wide through its network of national and international co-commissioners and partners. It will also stage the city-wide Manchester International Festival every other year at Factory International and in spaces and venues across Greater Manchester.

Designed by the world-leading Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), the ultra-flexible building is based around multiple configurations, enabling large-scale artistic work of invention and ambition that is not made anywhere else - from major exhibitions and concerts to intimate performances and immersive experiences. Outside, its public areas will come alive with pop-up performances, events and markets, creating a thriving riverside destination for audiences to enjoy.

Through the Factory Academy, it will become a major training center for local people, helping to build the technicians, producers and other creative talent that will bring the future alive, while its pioneering programs of engagement and artist development will benefit local people and the next generation of creators.

Rooted in Manchester, Factory International will strengthen the city's status as a national and international center for culture, creativity and innovation, as well as a major visitor destination. The economic impact of Factory International will be considerable, creating or supporting up to 1,500 direct and indirect jobs and adding £1.1 billion to the city's economy over a decade.

The development of Factory International is led by Manchester City Council, with backing from HM Government and Arts Council England.

►Register for the Producer's Training Program

1. Emerging and mid-career creative professionals and producers, or art administrators working in the cultural sectors who have over 3 years' related experience.
2. Number of participants is limited to 30, plus 5 candidates on the waiting list for admission.
3. The Program took place from February 16 (Thu.) to 19 (Sun.), 2023 requires full participation. 
4. The Program will be mainly conducted in English.
5. To encourage the participants to share the case study, all applicants agreed on the non-disclosure agreement for all the contents of the program.

  How to register for the Producer’s Training Program   

1. Registration: Weiwuying website online registration before 12p.m. January 13 → shortlist announced on Weiwuying official website before January 17 → you will receive a confirmation email with payment details → payment made before January 20 → registration successful.
2. Registration fee: NTD 1,000 including the lunch during the program.
3. Payment must be made within a limited time once confirmation received. Otherwise, the booking will be canceled.
4. Cancellation policy: Register should contact National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts to apply for refund. The refund should be applied before 12:00, January 30, 2023 and a processing fee will be charged at 10% of the amount of the deposit. Late applications will not be accepted.

　Online Registration for　
the Producer's Training Program

►Register for the Public Talk

1. Topic: From Manchester to International – the story, strategy and impact of Manchester International Festival
2. Date & Time: February 19 (Sun.) 14:00-16:00
3. Venue: Weiwuying Lecture Hall
4. The Public Talk is free for admission, opened for 80 participants who are interested in the venue operation and international festival.
5. The confirmation email will be received after successful registration.
6. The event will be conducted in English with Mandarin simultaneous interpretation available, please borrow the interpretation device on site with an ID.

　Online Registration　
for the Public Talk

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