About International Arts Carnival (IAC)
Presented annually by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) since 1982, the International Arts Carnival is Hong Kong’s most anticipated summer cultural tradition for families. Each year, the Carnival curates over 100 performances and activities featuring outstanding overseas and local artists—providing a diverse and enriching arts experience that brings warmth, joy, and creativity to audiences of all ages. This year's programme is packed with highlights, headlined by the blockbuster "IMAGINE! PLAY!" interactive art exhibition—a groundbreaking new milestone in Hong Kong's public art promotion. The LCSD, together with Arts Outreach Partner the First Initiative Foundation (FIF) and Community Innovation Partner Garden, brings together deep expertise in arts promotion, community connections, and innovative thinking to co‑present a truly unique public art experience. Music ignites creativity, art touches everyday life, and citizens are invited to explore, discover, and create—feeling the warmth of art within reach, as art becomes part of daily life and creates unforgettable moments for every family.
Highlights of the Four Interactive Art Zones
Children can become "Art Explorers" as they venture into the immersive "Enchanted Forest" art space at the heart of the exhibition. Inspired by the exciting programmes of IAC 2026, the exhibition blends visual art with original music to create a whimsical, fantasy‑filled art environment that encourages children to experience art in multiple ways: discovering hidden details with their eyes, responding to flowing musical rhythms with their bodies, and boldly creating unique artworks with their hands—unleashing boundless imagination and building their own artistic wonders.The exhibition features four themed interactive zones, each with its own distinct character—balancing dynamic and static experiences, and brimming with fun for visitors of all ages.
Glowing Dance Meadows
An energetic light and shadow interactive installation featuring multiple magical illuminated pads on the floor. Children can simply step on them to trigger bursts of light that follow their movements, creating their own rhythmic and luminous art performance using their bodies as the medium.
Magic Tree Hallow
A recreation of a mysterious scene from the Enchanted Forest. Equipped with a special "magic torch," children explore this fantastical realm to unlock various hidden glowing patterns throughout the space—each discovery brings new surprises, honing observation skills and a spirit of exploration.
Blooming Flowers
A paper flower garden masterfully crafted by STICKYLINE, reimagining the beauty of nature through contemporary geometric aesthetics. The vibrant three dimensional paper sculptures feature rich layers and unique forms, immersing children in an artistic sea of flowers where they can experience the fusion of creativity and nature, sparking infinite imagination.
Little Composer
The centrepiece interactive installation of the exhibition. Each "magic golden petal" on every mushroom holds a distinct musical note. With a gentle touch, children can compose their own unique melodies, while synchronised light patterns shift and respond to the music—transforming auditory art into visual imagery in real time. Upon completion, scanning the "Light Code" (QR Code) on the fantasy room screen lets visitors take their creations home!
Picnic and Play!
To bring art closer to everyday life and promote arts education, this year's carnival features the special "Picnic and Play!",an indoor family art experience held on 12 July and 9 August at East Kowloon Cultural Centre and the Yuen Long Theatre. The event kicks off with an interactive music workshop led by World Harmonica Champion Gordon Lee, guiding children through freeform improvisation to spark creativity and rhythm. Following the workshop, families enjoy the picnic supplied by Community Innovation Partner, Garden, which provides custom-branded mats and baskets filled with classic Hong Kong-style baked treats. By blending music interaction, casual dining, and art exploration, the initiative transforms public cultural spaces into comfortable,community-focused havens for family boding.
Educational Outreach Programme
How do I create music?
As an Art Outreach Partner of IAC 2026, First Initiative Foundation (FIF) has created a co-branded art guide for children and families to explore the insipring world of music .Designed as a fun, practical tool to accompany the IMAGINE! PLAY! interactive art exhibition, the booklet guides young "Art Explorers" to listen closely, discover musical notes, and express their creativity. From understanding basic musical elements to composing their own tunes, this guide empowers children to embrace their curiosity and connect with art through the power of music—showing that everyone can be their own composer.
