Chen Zhongwen

Chen Zhongwen assumed the position of Director General of the International Theatre Institute (ITI) in September 2025, following her appointment at the 37th ITI World Congress. She has been with ITI since 2014, serving first as Director of Collaboration and later as Deputy Director General.

Over the past decade, Chen Zhongwen has been instrumental in strengthening ITI's internal management while fostering cooperation among its National Centres and building strategic partnerships worldwide. She has actively produced ITI's flagship cultural events, including World Theatre Day and International Dance Day, presented at UNESCO and across different continents. These events highlight the vital role of the performing arts in fostering global dialogue and cultural exchange.

As Coordinator of the ITI/UNESCO Network for Higher Education in the Performing Arts, she has guided the Network's global expansion, reinforcing ITI's commitment to education and knowledge-sharing. She was the initiator and executive producer of the intercultural co-production Star Returning, created in collaboration with ITI World Theatre Ambassador Lemi Ponifasio and Yi artists from China. The work has since achieved notable success on international stages, reflecting ITI's mission to connect cultural heritage with contemporary expression.

Chen Zhongwen believes that humanity is the world's most essential element and that theatre is a vital space to protect and share it. Her vision for ITI is rooted in the conviction that diversity is a strength and that the performing arts can build bridges of understanding across nations.

Chen Zhongwen holds a master's degree in Education Science from Université Paris 8 and is fluent in Chinese, French, and English.