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The Asia-Pacific Drama Education Alliance (APDEA) is a newly formed regional network committed to strengthening collaboration between drama educators, practitioners, and organisations across the Asia-Pacific.
Launched on Saturday 19 July 2025 at the Theatre Arts Conference hosted by the Singapore Drama Educators Association (SDEA) in Singapore, APDEA emerged from a shared desire for intercultural dialogue and artistic exchange within the region. The alliance reflects a shared commitment to drama education as a vital force for cultural understanding, creativity, and sustainable futures.
Rooted in the values outlined by UNESCO’s Framework for Culture and Arts Education, APDEA recognises the essential role of culture and the arts in fostering imagination, identity, critical thinking, and respect for diversity—essential to the holistic development and wellbeing of individuals and societies.
APDEA’s mission is to:
Support drama educators and practitioners across the region
Foster cross-border cultural exchange and collaboration
Promote inclusive and values-led arts education
Share resources, knowledge, and creative practice
Advocate for the role of drama in the curriculum and community
We are guided by a shared commitment to:
Inclusivity – Welcoming diverse perspectives and lived experiences
Cultural dialogue – Honouring First Nations knowledges and intercultural exchange
Collaboration – Working together to build capacity and sustain creative ecosystems
Creativity – Nurturing imagination, expression, and innovation through drama
Advocacy – Championing the role of drama education in shaping resilient, just, and connected communities
In its early stages, APDEA is focused on:
Creating a curated, culturally responsive repository of resources
Developing collaborative projects across countries and communities
Sharing advocacy strategies to strengthen drama’s place in education
Supporting professional development through networking and exchange
Exploring shared challenges such as curriculum reform, climate resilience, and access
APDEA was launched in July 2025 by representatives from organisations across the Asia-Pacific following a shared desire to continue the deep connections formed during the Theatre Arts Conference.
It is not a subsidiary of any existing global organisation, but operates independently while contributing to and connecting with other international networks.
APDEA is a collaborative initiative led by representatives from:
Singapore Drama Educators Association (SDEA)
Whakaari Aotearoa Drama New Zealand (Drama NZ)
Hong Kong Drama and Theatre Education Forum (TEFO)
We also thank the many individual educators and practitioners who have expressed their support and enthusiasm to be part of this evolving network.
We invite drama educators, artists, researchers, and organisations across the region to register their interest in APDEA.
Whether you’re based in a school, university, arts organisation or community setting, we welcome your voice, your work, and your ideas.
Click here to register your interest in being a part of APDEA.
Let’s build something remarkable—together.
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