The Intercultural Connections Award new

Introduction

The IC Award is an esteemed recognition presented to outstanding theatre productions and artists performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. More than just a trophy, this award serves as a gateway to international opportunities, providing recipients with access to the global theatre industry, professional networking, and expanded market reach.

Theatre is a powerful medium for cross-cultural exchange, and the IC Award was established to connect groundbreaking artists with global platforms, particularly in the Chinese and UK theatre markets. This award highlights artistic innovation, technical mastery, and market viability, ensuring that winning productions and artists have the opportunity to grow, tour, and establish themselves on an international stage.

Why the IC Award Matters

In a world where theatre continues to evolve, the IC Award champions innovation, collaboration, and opportunity. The award is built on three key principles:

🌍 Global Reach & Cultural Exchange

As a bridge between Edinburgh and China, the IC Award provides winners with unique access to China’s expanding theatre market, which boasts hundreds of professional venues and millions of theatre-goers. Award recipients gain direct exposure to:

1. China Association of Performing Arts – The most influential performing arts network in China.
2. China Poly Group & CPAA Theatre Group – Two of the largest theatre chains, managing over 100 theatres across major cities.
3. Top theatre festivals in China, including Wuzhen Theatre Festival, Aranya Theatre Festival, and Shanghai International Theatre Festival.

Through these connections, winning productions can tour internationally, secure funding, and collaborate with leading theatre professionals.

🎭 Artistic Innovation & Industry Recognition

The IC Award values creativity and originality, celebrating productions that challenge artistic norms, explore new storytelling techniques, and engage audiences in fresh, compelling ways. Whether it’s a bold new interpretation of a classic or a completely original performance, the award highlights artists who push the boundaries of theatrical expression.

Winning an IC Award also means gaining recognition from top theatre professionals, festival organizers, and international producers, opening doors for future projects and collaborations.

📈 Career & Market Growth

The IC Award is more than just artistic prestige—it also provides real-world industry support. Winning productions receive marketing exposure, networking opportunities, and touring assistance, ensuring that their work is not only critically celebrated but also commercially viable.

For emerging artists and young theatre-makers, the IC Award provides mentorship, training, and connections with top industry professionals, helping them navigate the competitive world of performing arts.

The Award Categories

🏆 Personal Award

The Personal Award is designed for individual artists (actors, playwrights, directors, etc.) who have made an outstanding artistic contribution. This award recognizes personal creativity, vision, and influence within the industry.

Winners receive:

• Networking opportunities with the China Association of Performing Arts (CAPA) – a national association with 10,000+ members, including top theatre professionals, institutions, and venues.
• Connections with leading drama schools and artists to host paid workshops and panel discussions.

🎭 Best Production Award

This award celebrates fully realized theatre productions that demonstrate artistic excellence and market potential.

Winners receive:

• Touring opportunities with China Poly Group and CPAA Theatres:
  • China Poly Group – Manages 80+ theatres in 68 cities, making it the largest theatre management company in China.
  • CPAA Theatres – Operates 20 directly-managed theatres and a network of 70 affiliated theatres across 27 provinces.
• Up to six months of marketing exposure in China, helping to promote work to a new market.

🌍 IC Pioneer Award

The Pioneer Award is for experimental and boundary-pushing performances that challenge traditional theatre forms.

Winners receive:

• Exclusive connections with major Chinese theatre festivals, including:
  • Wuzhen Theatre Festival – China’s most prestigious theatre event.
  • Aranya Theatre Festival – A seaside experimental theatre festival.
  • Shanghai International Theatre Festival – A global theatre hub in one of China’s biggest cities.
  • Guilin Theatre Festival, Macau Comedy Festival, and more.
• Opportunities to expand into new global markets.

🎭 Future Generation Award

This award celebrates young artists (under 18) who show remarkable potential in theatre-making.

Winners receive:

• Mentorship & workshops with top industry professionals.
• Networking with leading drama schools and industry professionals.
• Opportunities to present work in international markets.

Through these mentorships, young artists gain industry insights, career guidance, and artistic development opportunities.

Judging & Selection Process

Each award category is carefully evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Artistic Innovation – Does the production introduce new ideas or unique creative elements?
• Technical Execution – How well is the performance realized in terms of production quality?
• Market Viability – Can the production successfully tour and attract audiences?
• Cultural Impact – How does the work engage with diverse audiences and foster intercultural dialogue?

📄 Full Award Criteria & Marking Guide

How to Apply

Eligibility

• All productions must be officially registered and performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in the current year.
• Applicants can apply for up to two award categories.
• For the IC Future Generation Award: Applicants must be under 18 years of age at the time of application.
• For the Best Production Award: Applicants must be submitting full productions that are capable of touring and selling tickets.
• For the IC Fringe Pioneer Award: Applicants must be submitting sketch performances or experimental works (full productions should apply for the Best Production Award).
• For the IC Personal Award: This category is for individual artists with a proven track record of artistic excellence and contributions to the theatre community.

Application Process

• Complete the Application Form – Provide details about your production and artistic vision.
• Submit Supporting Materials – Include footage, reviews, and images.

📄 Apply now(报名已结束)

Final Thoughts

The IC Award is a powerful platform for theatre artists looking to expand their reach, gain professional recognition, and explore new artistic opportunities. Whether you're an emerging artist or an established theatre company, winning an IC Award can open doors to international success and help you connect with a global audience.

Join us in celebrating the best of the Fringe and shaping the future of international theatre.

📩 For more information, contact awards@intercci.com