International collaboration at MASA
MASA (Marché des Arts du Spectacle Africain d’Abidjan) is dedicated to promoting African performing arts on an international scale, fostering meaningful exchange among artists, cultural leaders and delegates from around the world.
During this year’s market, the International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA), in collaboration with the Canadian Association for the Performing Arts (CAPACOA), was pleased to host an intimate reception designed to further strengthen global connections within the performing arts community. The gathering created an additional opportunity for participants to meet, share ideas and explore future collaborations, reinforcing the importance of international partnership, inclusion and cultural exchange in building a more connected and diverse global arts sector.
International collaboration through the performing arts plays a vital role in fostering understanding across cultures and communities. Festivals, markets and artistic gatherings such as MASA create essential opportunities for artists and presenters from different regions to engage in dialogue, develop partnerships and discover new ways of working together. The performing arts have a unique ability to bring diverse voices into conversation. When artists from different backgrounds collaborate, they challenge assumptions, broaden perspectives and create work that reflects the richness and complexity of the global community.
Inclusion and diversity are central to meaningful international collaboration. Creating equitable opportunities for participation ensures that a broader range of artistic voices can be heard and valued. This includes supporting artists and arts leaders from historically underrepresented communities and ensuring that international networks are accessible across geography and language, irrespective of economic circumstance. When cultural exchange is grounded in mutual respect and shared learning, collaboration becomes more impactful and sustainable.
Collaboration among organisations such as ISPA, CAPACOA and MASA demonstrate how partnerships can strengthen the global performing arts ecosystem. By bringing together presenters, producers, artists and cultural leaders, these collaborations help build professional networks that extend well beyond a single event. They encourage co-productions, touring opportunities, mentorship and long-term artistic relationships that benefit both individuals and institutions.
Upcoming:
Applications are now open for ISPA’s Global Fellowship Program. Applications are due by 29 May 2026.
Join ISPA at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for the ISPA Series at the Fringe: Resilience in Action on 19 August 2026.
