East Kowloon Cultural Centre: a flagship for Arts Tech
Opened in late 2025 with full operations commencing in November, the East Kowloon Cultural Centre (EKCC) represents a significant milestone in the city’s cultural infrastructure. This state-of-the-art venue is the Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s (LCSD) first dedicated flagship for integrating arts and technology, known as Arts Tech. It aims to function as a key centre for performances, extended-run productions, talent nurturing, and community engagement across East Kowloon.
© EKCC
Mission
The East Kowloon Cultural Centre focuses on advancing arts technology in Hong Kong. It seeks to enhance Arts Tech programme production by integrating advanced technology and collaborating with specialists, while catalysing diverse productions through the curation of local and international works, and supporting experimental creations from early development to full-length productions.
The centre nurtures emerging talents and promotes sustained growth through incubation and capacity-building programmes for artists, technologists, and youth. It also fosters international knowledge exchange and aims to broaden audience participation and appreciation of arts technology, with the aspiration to become Hong Kong’s flagship venue and a world-class centre in the field.
© EKCC
Brief History
Plans for a dedicated cultural facility in East Kowloon date back to the 1980s, driven by community advocacy for improved access to performing arts in a rapidly growing area. The site, part of the former Lower Ngau Tau Kok Estate and spanning about 2.16 hectares, was selected for its connectivity, including a direct covered pedestrian link to Kowloon Bay MTR station.
Funding was approved in 2015, with construction beginning around 2016. Designed with input from architect Rocco Yim and the Architectural Services Department, the project was completed with a strong emphasis on sustainability, barrier-free access, and flexible spaces. The centre draws inspiration from the area’s public housing heritage, evident in design elements such as external shading inspired by old estate iron gates.
Prior to its grand opening, the EKCC hosted trial programmes such as “Unbox EKCC” in 2024, featuring interdisciplinary events with local and international artists. It officially launched with an Opening Season from November 2025 to February 2026, presenting 17 programmes with over 200 performances and activities that attracted more than 240,000 visitors.
Facilities
The EKCC stands out for its cutting-edge technology, including immersive audio systems, 4K projection mapping, automated tracking, and flexible staging designed to support experimentation and long runs.
Key performing facilities include:
The Hall © EKCC
The Hall
A 1,200-seat multi-purpose auditorium with a proscenium stage, ideal for large-scale events, concerts, and musicals. It features advanced immersive sound systems.
The Theatre © EKCC
The Theatre
A 536-seat thrust-stage venue that fosters intimate, interactive audience experiences.
The Turns © EKCC
The Turns
A 160–176 seat space optimised for full-wall projections, making it ideal for immersive dance, theatre, and multimedia productions.
The Beats © EKCC
The Beats
A 120-seat soundproof studio with professional audio mixing and amplification systems, suited for music performances and recordings.
The Lab © EKCC
The Lab
A versatile arts-technology testbed studio with flexible seating (243–353), designed for experimental works and innovation.
Incubator 1 © EKCC
Additional spaces include three Incubators for artist development and residencies, exhibition areas, an atrium, terraces, public plazas with artworks, rehearsal rooms, and supporting amenities like a lobby, ticketing, and dining options.
A Diverse Cultural Offering
The EKCC regularly features a wide array of performances and activities including music, dance, drama, multimedia installations, workshops, exhibitions, and community initiatives. Free public sessions, artist talks, and technology-focused initiatives are also offered.
Here are some highlights from the current schedule:
Cavalry
3 July – 4 July
The Hall, East Kowloon Cultural Centre
A dance drama by the Inner Mongolia Art Theatre that combines choreography and theatrical elements to depict the experiences of cavalry warriors.
More details HERE.
International Arts Carnival 2026 Opening Programme: Starchitects by Motionhouse (UK)
10 July – 12 July
The Hall, East Kowloon Cultural Centre
A contemporary dance production by UK company Motionhouse that integrates movement, acrobatics, and architectural projections to examine the relationship between humans and large-scale structures.
More details HERE.
Dance x Multimedia Work Helix by Yan Xiaoqiang
10 July – 12 July
The Turns, East Kowloon Cultural Centre
This multimedia dance work merges choreography with digital visuals to explore themes of spirals, transformation, and cyclical patterns.
More details HERE.
Chinese Culture Festival 2026: Acrobatic Spectacle of Ancient Tang
17 July – 19 July
The Hall, East Kowloon Cultural Centre
This acrobatic show draws inspiration from the Tang Dynasty, showcasing a series of spectacular skills and routines that highlight the elegance, power, and artistic achievements of ancient Chinese culture.
More details HERE.
Echoes of the Silk Road · New Sounds of Hu Music Concert
24 July – 25 July
The Theatre, East Kowloon Cultural Centre
A concert presenting Hu music from the Silk Road tradition, featuring traditional instruments alongside new arrangements.
More details HERE.
International Arts Carnival 2026: Just Kid-ing (WE-PLAY – RE-RUN)
10 July – 7 August
The Lab, East Kowloon Cultural Centre
Following the success of its 2025 premiere during the EKCC Opening Season, this re-run returns with engaging projection mapping and real-time tracking technology that invites young audiences to participate in the story of friends Yat-sum and Nim-chi, as they navigate school life, quirky classmates, and imaginative adventures.
More details HERE.
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East Kowloon Cultural Centre (EKCC)
60 Ngau Tau Kok Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm daily
MTR Kowloon Bay Station Exit B
https://www.ekcc.hk/en/