Alison Friedman speaks about the future of China’s millennial generation at the Paulson Institute’s Contemporary China Speakers Series on January 21, 2016.
Ms. Friedman came to China 15 years ago on a Fulbright fellowship to research modern dance in the Middle Kingdom. She has since been involved on the front lines of contemporary performance in the country, working at the intersection of local and international governments, NGOs, the commercial sector, as well as independent avant garde performance. Six years ago she founded her company Ping Pong Productions with the mission of cultural diplomacy. She will share her insider’s perspective on China’s burgeoning performing arts industry, the challenges it faces (guess what, it’s not all about censorship!), how far it has come and where it might go next.
Alison Friedman is Founder and Creative Director of Ping Pong Productions, whose aim is to bring China together with the world through the performing arts. One of the only foreigners regularly consulted by the Chinese Ministry of Culture for her expertise in China’s contemporary performing arts with a focus on contemporary dance, Friedman has worked to develop structures and channels in China to support both established and young independent performing artists. As director of Ping Pong Productions, Friedman works closely with Chinese and international governments and arts organizations to facilitate collaborations, tours, and lasting artistic relationships. Fluent in Mandarin Chinese and political negotiations, Friedman has worked in the performing arts in China for more than a decade. She served as international director of the Beijing Modern Dance Company, general manager of Oscar-winning composer Tan Dun’s company Parnassus Productions, Inc., and as a producer and host on Chinese national radio and television programs.
Paulson Institute
Source
