IAM Vol 22 Issue 06

 

June 2026

Welcome to the June issue of International Arts Manager. This month, our cover feature celebrates the third edition of Hong Kong’s Chinese Culture Festival, which returns under the theme Legends. Built around the art of transformation, ancient stories reborn and classical forms reinvented, this year’s programme places Sui-Tang splendour and the ancient capital Luoyang at its centre. Since its inaugural edition in 2024, the festival has welcomed more than 900,000 attendees each year, showing that some of the most enduring stories are those still being retold.

Elsewhere, the Grand Teton Music Festival marks its 65th anniversary with a season unlike any other. As Walk Festival Hall undergoes a $35 million renovation, performances will take place across venues throughout Jackson Hole. Executive Director Emma Kail speaks to IAM about programming through change, the festival’s growth since 2020, and what this milestone season means to the community that has sustained it for more than six decades.

Also in this issue

News
Lyric Opera of Chicago receives $20 million gift and announces new partnership
Washington National Opera files $17 million lawsuit against Kennedy Center
New cohort joins 2027–30 CMS Bowers Program
Britten Pears Arts launches new fundraising initiative to support building project
Spotify and Universal Music Group reveal landmark licensing agreements for fans
Art Music Fund surpasses AUD$1 million in composer support
Lang Lang joins TikTok LIVE for global campaign
Upcoming events

Musical Chairs
From promotions to retirement – who’s on the move?

Classical Music Signings
Keep up to date with the latest industry news

Competitions and Awards
sideNotes: Beyond the competition debate

24th Taishin Arts Award: celebrating bodies,
land and legacy

ISPA: Global Voices
ISPA Singapore 2026 – creativity and cultural exchange

APAP: A View from Here: Lisa Richards Toney on why the performing arts sector needs a paradigm shift

Preview: Hong Kong’s Chinese Culture Festival 2026

CINARS: Connected Voices: Gilles Doré and EFA’s Kathrin Deventer on solidarity, global partnerships and the future of festivals

Arts Marketing Association (AMA) Conference 2026 preview: Together in Leeds

Grand Teton Music Festival at 65: Interview with Executive Director Emma Kail

Diary: Suzi Digby OBE. A week with the Founder and Director of the
award-winning ORA Singers