Western Arts Alliance

Ready to take your work to Asia? 🌏✈️
Apply by May 29 to join WAA’s PADX trade mission to Hong Kong and Busan, South Korea!

Connect with presenters, artists, and industry leaders at:
Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo (HKPAX) — Oct 9–13
Busan Performing Arts Market (BPAM) — optional extension

Selected delegates may receive:
- Travel subsidies
- Curated networking + meetings
- Shared booth and promotional opportunities
- Market insights + on-the-ground support
- Pre-trip prep and technical assistance

Whether you’re an artist, agent, presenter, promoter, or arts professional interested in international exchange, this is an exciting opportunity to build connections in East Asian markets.

Interested? Apply by May 29!

Get the inside scoop before you arrive 👀

The World of WAA: Online Mixer + Webinar is your go-to pre-conference session to help you make the most of your experience.

Hear from seasoned attendees sharing tips, insights, and must-knows. Then join breakout rooms to connect with peers, ask questions, and start building your community ahead of your arrival in Oakland.

Friday, May 15
12 PM PT
Sign-Up Now!

Come prepared, get connected, and start your conference experience early.

Announcing The Marcelo Avilès Scholarship Fund!

Applications are now open until Friday, May 15. A jury of WAA stakeholders will select successful candidates based on a combination of financial need and sectoral impact.

Eligible applicants meet the following criteria:

* Individuals no older than 40 as of September 8, 2026 based in North America.

* Emerging performing arts professionals are those professionals who are actively working in the touring and performing arts presenting ecosystem, specifically those who intersect with performing arts centers in some capacity. Including, but not limited to artists/performers, programmer/presenters, marketers, agent/managers, producers and technical staff.

* Members and nonmembers are eligible to apply, applicants with a history of WAA membership or connection to the performing arts booking and touring field will be prioritized.

Find more information at westarts.org/donate

More ways to be part of WAA OAK 2026!

Calls for additional programming are now OPEN! 🎉

Whether you have a project to share, a problem to solve, or need space to gather your Circle. We want to hear from you!

Opportunities include:
🎤 Pitch Sessions – Share your project, program, or artist with a live audience

🤝 Affinity Sessions – Identity-based connection + learning spaces

🗂 Consortia / Private Meetings – Closed sessions for member groups, boards, and trade delegations

🧠 Performing Arts Challenge – Collaborate with peers to tackle real threats to our field

Deadline: Friday, March 13
Link in our Bio 🔗

Bring your voice. Build community. Shape the future of the performing arts.