ALaLa International Open Talk at Kalm Village

July 5

ALaLa International Festival Development Lab 2026 Open Talk: A collaborative platform for international festival development and the launch of ALaLa Dance Fest 2026 under the theme “Spirit and Ritual”
Chiang Mai, 5 July 2026 – ALaLa Dance Fest hosted the ALaLa International Festival Development Lab 2026 Open Talk to establish a global platform for the exchange of knowledge on contemporary performing arts festival development. The event also unveiled the artistic direction and highlights of the upcoming ALaLa Dance Fest 2026, scheduled for 10–13 October 2026 at Kalm Village, Chiang Mai, under the theme “Spirit and Ritual”. The Open Talk was held on Sunday, 5 July 2026, from 15:00 to 17:00 hrs. at Kalm Village, Chiang Mai, and was open to the public free of charge.
The ALaLa International Festival Development Lab serves as a space for knowledge exchange among artists, festival organizers, contemporary arts and culture practitioners, as well as the general public. It aims to share experiences, perspectives, and sustainable approaches to developing performing arts festivals, while fostering collaborative networks at both local and international levels.
The event commenced with an opening performance titled “In Our Liminal Space” by SIRISOOK Dance Theatre, followed by the Development Lab Discussion. The panel featured Waewdao Sirisook, Peangdao Jariyapun, and Techin Pongjina. Together, they exchanged experiences regarding contemporary performing arts festival development, the creation of creative spaces, and the role of festivals as bridges connecting artists, communities, and audiences.
Additionally, the event featured a presentation of the highlights for ALaLa Dance Fest 2026 under the theme “Spirit and Ritual”. This upcoming edition explores the interconnectedness between beliefs, spirituality, and rituals as foundational pillars of performing arts, showcasing works by 5 artists from 3 nationalities. Alongside the international performances and workshops throughout the festival, attendees will gain insights into the festival’s concepts and directions ahead of the main event in October. Guests were also invited to preview the Belief Exhibition, a mini-exhibition exploring the relationships between ghosts, rituals, beliefs, and contemporary performing arts, developed through intensive field research.
ALaLa Dance Fest is an international performing arts festival rooted in Chiang Mai. It focuses on creating exchange spaces between local Thai and international artists through performances, workshops, exhibitions, and public activities to promote learning, networking, and the regional development of contemporary performing arts.
This project is proudly supported by the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture (OCAC), Ministry of Culture.