iPANDA
Initiated by Xiao Ke × Zi Han
ABOUT
It is not about panda! But as valuable as a panda!
iPANDA is an independently initiated platform for exchange, sharing, mutual support, networking, and development in China’s independent performance and performing arts. Founded by an artists’ collective in April 2018, it supports creative development within the field and expands possibilities for international collaboration. It connects artists, art institutions and platforms, and resources across different fields. iPANDA currently collaborates with NEXTMIXING in Shanghai, which supports its live events with space.
MEMBER COMPOSITION
For independent performance makers who work, or plan to work, with a clear long-term focus on the field. Practices may include dance theatre, physical theatre, live art, music theatre, cyber theatre, and other experimental or emerging forms. The platform has a clear orientation toward supporting young artists, including those young in outlook.
For presenters and partners able to provide project resources, platforms, funding, or space, including festivals, associations, arts councils, agencies, residency programmes, and art spaces. The network opens further possibilities for collaboration with independent artists and supports the development of performance practice and artists.
For mentors in independent performance and other art fields who are willing to share experience and knowledge; collaborators in performance or interdisciplinary fields interested in working with performance artists; and critics and researchers who share information and discuss specific topics in support of the performance-art environment and its historical record.
MEMBER NETWORK
EVENT FORMS
Topic-based discussions organized by iPANDA. Members share and communicate in order to deepen performance study and research, address specific issues, and support practical development in different cases.
The network brings together members’ international resources, presents and recommends platforms to independent artists seeking collaboration, and periodically introduces international platforms to members.
In response to members’ needs, iPANDA may organize showcases, work-in-progress presentations, or exhibitions, with focused discussion around particular cases to support artistic work and communication within the network.
Members may organize workshops for mutual learning, understanding, and discussion. This internal form of study refreshes creative approaches and ideas while supporting independent performance in practice. Further event formats may be developed collectively by members.
THE PRINCIPLES OF iPANDA
VIDEO