The International Dialogues section of CSIAF highlights forefront topics in the sector,discussing new paths of development for performing arts via innovative perspectives, painting a new picture for global performing arts. This section takes up the leading responsibility for developing this industry, striving to become the "pathfinder" for elevating global performing arts and the “new high ground” for ideas to collide.
Over the past three years, the International Dialogues programme has hosted 31 professional dialogue sessions, establishing an international exchange framework that combines both depth and breadth.
In 2023,an International City Culture Forum was convened under the theme "Uniting Hearts with Arts to Connect the World.” From the perspective of global urban cultural development, the forum explored the agglomeration, growth, and sustainability of arts festivals. In 2024,an International Performing Arts Industry Dialogue was held under the theme “Reciprocal Opportunities and Shared Success.” Drawing on performing arts market data, supply-and-demand dynamics, program typologies, and project operation models, the dialogue analyzed industry trends from multiple dimensions and encouraged the expansion of global cultural exchange. In 2025, thematic dialogues focusing on the integration of technology and the arts were organized.
Centered on frontier fields such as digital performing arts and immersive interactive experiences, events including “Intelligent Creation New Era-AI Revolution in Global Art” were presented, further expanding diverse pathways for artistic innovation.
Jointly initiated by the China Shanghai International Arts Festival together with numerous arts festivals worldwide, the Network of Silk Road Arts Festivals has, since its establishment in 2017,expanded to include 196 institutions from 52 countries and regions.
On the occasion of the 5th Annual Conference of the Network, the Network of Silk Road Arts Festivals Development Report(2017-2025)was released, systematically demonstrating the impressive results of cultural exchange and joint development of “Belt and Road” participant countries. The “Experience of Shanghai" and "Voice of Shanghai” are gradually becoming the most eye catching wise contributions to global performing arts cooperation.
