This 2026, the Cultural Center of the Philippines proudly steps into the spotlight as it hosts two prestigious back-to-back industry landmark events – the Federation for Asian Cultural Promotion (FACP) 2026 Manila Conference on September 9 to 12, at Adamson University Manila, and the Manila International Performing Arts Market (MIPAM) on September 11 to 13 at the Center’s Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater).
One Destination, Two Landmark Events
The leading gatherings converge in one city, bringing together artists, cultural leaders, producers, and arts organizations from over 25 countries across Asia and beyond to celebrate heritage, drive creative innovation, and open new pathways for regional and global artistic exchange.
With the FACP Conference running alongside MIPAM, this dual hosting positions the Philippines as the regional hub for performing arts and cultural collaboration in Asia.
“Hosting the Federation for Asian Cultural Promotion Conference and the Manila International Performing Arts Market in 2026 is a historic milestone not just for the Cultural Center of the Philippines, but for our entire nation and the whole Asian creative community. Bringing these two landmark events together in Manila positions our country as the true heart of cultural exchange, collaboration, and artistic excellence in the region,” said CCP President Kaye C. Tinga.
Open Call to Join Asia’s Premier Cultural Network
The FACP, which is a leading regional network dedicated to advancing performing arts, cultural exchange, and industry collaboration across the Asia-Pacific, is now accepting applications for Ordinary Membership (for entities and individuals based in Asia-Pacific) and Associate Membership (for those outside the region), as well as participation in its annual conference and symposia in Manila.
“As we gather in Manila this year, we open our doors wider than ever - to new voices, new works, and new partnerships. FACP exists to turn cultural talent into global impact, and 2026 will be our most connected, most accessible year yet. Our goal is simple: make Asia’s arts easier to see, easier to support, and easier to share,” said Mr. Dennis Marasigan, FACP Chairperson.
Following the theme “Performing Arts: Beyond the Next Stage,” the FACP is also accepting applications for its flagship programs – Asian Gems in the Arts and Pitch for New Aspects – to eligible performing arts groups, festivals, production houses, arts councils, educational institutions, and independent creators working in music, dance, theatre, folk arts, and interdisciplinary forms.
Asian Gems in the Arts
Artists are invited to perform in the Asian Gems in the Arts (AGA) sessions, a featured component of the FACP Annual Conference. All Governors are encouraged to nominate a performing group that can effectively showcase traditional performing arts through innovative and contemporary interpretations.
A total of five (5) groups will be selected by the Program Committee, comprising three (3) international groups and two (2) Philippine-based groups. Each selected group will present a 15- to 20-minute performance on September 10, 2026, as part of the conference program.
Pitch for New Aspects
The FACP presents an exciting opportunity for emerging artists (aged 35 and below), young entrepreneurs, curators, and producers (aged 40 and below), as well as performing arts groups established in 2015 or later, to share innovative ideas for potential collaboration with FACP and its member organizations through the Pitch for New Aspects program.
Designed as a platform for cross-sector and cross-cultural exchange, Pitch for New Aspects serves as a launchpad for partnerships that transcend boundaries. The program welcomes proposals under two categories: Seed of an Idea or Work in Progress, intended for projects seeking support in development, and Ready to Connect, for projects that have premiered within the last eighteen (18) months and are looking for partners, presenters, or investors to support further growth and touring opportunities.
Interested applicants must submit their requirements online through the application link: https://forms.office.com/r/nn5Vua5C86. Submissions must include a project proposal written in English (six to eight pages, maximum file size of 10MB), following the file name format: Pitch2026FACP_Title.
The proposal should clearly present the project concept and scale, outline and key creative ideas, and include the artist or group profile. Applicants are also required to submit high-resolution artist or group photos, along with a video recording of the performance.
FACP will shortlist ten (10) project proposals, whose proponents will be invited to pitch and present their work during the Manila Conference. Each presentation will consist of a six-minute pitch followed by a three-minute Q&A. Presentations should cover the project’s concept and scale, the artists and creatives involved, the production timeframe, including potential premiere and tour dates, specific support being sought (e.g., funding, presenting venues, or collaborators); and an optional one or two-minute video excerpt of the performance.
Deadline for applications is June 15, 2026. For inquiries, contact FACP via email at showcase.facp@.gmail.com.
Showcasing Asia to the World
Co-organized with CREATE Philippines/Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), MIPAM 2026 carries the theme “Showcasing Asia to the World,” positioning itself as a platform that promotes outstanding performing arts from Asia and the Philippines.
Scheduled from September 11 to 13, 2026, at the CCP Black Box Theater and other non-CCP venues in Pasay and Manila, the market connects artists and performing groups directly with international presenters, festival directors, producers, funders, and touring agencies.
Program highlights include live showcase performances and project pitching sessions, B2B meetings and curated business matching, as well as industry forums focusing on the promotion, creation and perspectives of the performing arts ecosystem. The event will also feature table/booths, spaces, and networking zones designed to support professional growth and market access.
Serving as the confluence of September’s major cultural events, including the 2026 FACP Conference, MIPAM creates a seamless environment where delegates can engage in both policy dialogue and business opportunities within a single, integrated setting.
About FACP
Founded in 1983, the Federation for Asian Cultural Promotion is a non-profit network uniting over 300 members from 25 countries and territories. It drives sustainable development of performing arts through exchange, education, and industry cooperation, with a mission to foster mutual understanding and friendship through culture.
CCP vice president and artistic director Dennis Marasigan is currently FACP chair for 2026-2028.
About MIPAM
Launched in 2019, the Manila International Performing Arts Market is the Philippines’ premier international platform dedicated to performing arts promotion, trade, and collaboration, supporting the growth of Filipino and Asian artistic works for global audiences.
For more updates, visit the CCP website at www.culturalcenter.gov.ph or the FACP website (https://facp.asia). Follow the CCP official social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more information on future events.
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