Co-presenters

Diversity is about creating an inclusive and friendly environment for everyone, and ensuring that nobody feels excluded. Since its inauguration in 2019, “No Limits” has worked to create a diverse and inclusive space for artists of all abilities to showcase their talents.

This year, for the seventh edition of “No Limits”, we welcome over 30 local and international talents whose creativity and skills are sure to delight and inspire. The lineup consists of a total of 27 performances of 11 programmes spanning music, theatre and dance, as well as film screenings offering audiences a variety of perspectives on the specific issues faced by artists and individuals with disabilities.

To open “No Limits”, we have invited Emmy Award nominee and 2024 Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony performer Matthew Whitaker from the US for two evenings of Jazz Excellence. From mainland China we have the specially commissioned work Hide-and-Seek by Guangzhou-based choreographer ErGao, and the Hong Kong premiere of Be Seen by Shanghai internet celebrity Zhao Hongcheng.

To promote diversity and inclusion within our communities, “No Limits” presents the new education and community programme, Small Steps, Giant Strides. The programme takes place at Tai Kwun and includes our first ever International Symposium – looking at how issues of inclusivity and creativity are changing urban design in Asia – as well as workshops, public showcases and sharing sessions. We are also delighted to collaborate with internationally acclaimed UK-based Candoco Dance Company on a Pilot Creative Programme providing local teachers of theatre and dance with training in inclusive teaching methodologies. And, also at Tai Kwun, participants of our education and community programmes present In Touch We Trust and Community Showcases, demonstrating the diversity of inclusive performing arts.

In addition, there are more than 20 touring performances for primary and secondary schools, as well as 15 PLUS activities, workshops and talks designed to deepen understanding of inclusive performing arts and build creative bridges between different communities.

I would like to thank The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust for co-presenting this important annual project with us, and for their continued support in promoting inclusion through the arts. We also extend our thanks to the Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong for its invaluable support, and provision of accessibility services enabling differently abled people to experience the arts together.

On behalf of the Hong Kong Arts Festival Society, I welcome you to “No Limits”, and hope that you will enjoy the bold and moving programmes and performances in this edition of our project.

Flora Yu
Executive Director, Hong Kong Arts Festival

Art transcends boundaries, offering infinite possibilities and equal opportunities for people to practise and appreciate it. Take the “No Limits” festival, which empowers differently abled local and overseas artists to showcase their talent. Co-presented by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and the Hong Kong Arts Festival Society since 2019, “No Limits” has delivered performances that have captivated more than 95,000 spectators to date in person and online.

This year’s “No Limits” encompasses programmes that span music, dance, theatre and film under an overarching theme of “The Human Touch”. It has been curated to lead audiences to a better understanding of the daily lives of inclusive art performers and the expectations that society places on them in an effort to inspire greater respect and appreciation.

This year’s “No Limits” will further promote inclusive arts by presenting two works from mainland artists to launch an inclusive Asian arts network. The programme will include an international symposium to explore the power of inclusivity and creativity to transform Asian cities. These initiatives help to enhance the international profile of “No Limits” and provide opportunities for creative expression and social development within Hong Kong and across Asia.

At the same time, we continue to support the Jockey Club “No Limits” Education and Community Programme comprising lectures, workshops and school tours, together with Small Steps, Giant Strides – the Artists-in-Residence Programme and a series of public showcases at Tai Kwun. These facilitate engagement between community stakeholders and differently abled artists to encourage collaboration – elevating industry standards and nurturing local talent.

Over the years, the Club’s Charities Trust has remained committed to advancing art, culture and conservation, while building a culturally vibrant Hong Kong – enriching lives and promoting creativity and inclusion. Examples include its support for the Hong Kong Arts Festival over the past half-century as well as its funding for the establishment of the Hong Kong Palace Museum.

Our support for various arts, cultural and conservation projects aligns with the Club’s purpose of acting continuously for the betterment of society. Our contributions are made possible by a unique integrated business model. Through this we provide world-class racing and entertainment and channel resultant wagering demand into tax contributions, charity donations and employment opportunities.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Hong Kong Arts Festival Society, to the Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong and to all participating artists. We hope this year’s “No Limits” will be another resounding success that leaves its audiences thoroughly enriched and inspired.

Dr Gabriel Leung
Executive Director, Charities and Community
The Hong Kong Jockey Club