Hundreds of Asian artists from dozens of Fringe shows gathered at the City Chambers this week for the Asian Art Awards 2026.
With so much international talent on the Fringe programme it was no surprise that 2026 was another vintage year and, with the majority of winners still in town to collect their awards in person, there is still time to see most of them. The awards were presented by Richard Lewis, Chair of the Asian Art Fund Scotland and Chris Snow, Head of Artist Services at the Fringe, in partnership with WU Asia Pacific.
The irresistible “2Shoulderpads: Galaxy Train” from Japan (pictured above) won Outstanding Show for their zany poetic musical based on Japanese classical literature. Their only costume is … two shoulder pads each. “The Palestinian Circus: Step and a Half” (pictured) were one of the runners up, winning over the reviewing team with their talent, upbeat attitude and message of Peace.
It was also a strong year for Scottish representation. The Outstanding Youth Show award was won by Our Town Needs a Nando’s with the all-Scottish and all-female cast bringing tremendous energy and fun to the stage.
Scottish Tamil actress Lovely Selwyn burst into tears on receiving her award, exclaiming “this is our Oscar”! Outstanding Drama award was won by Tether with a cast from Scotland and Korea while the Outstanding Children’s Show award was won by “Shhh! (A Wordless Comedy)” from Vietnam but with one of the three cast members originally from Scotland.
Finally, a Highly Commended award was received in the Youth category by the Edinburgh-based Nikkan Dance Academy for their show “Kahi: The Inner Us – Explore the Soul”, bringing traditional Indian dance to the Fringe.
Japanese Grandma Funeral starring Japanese American Kento Morita won best comedy, while the Outstanding Individual Performance was won by Cheeyang Ng from Singapore with Legendary, a musical seamlessly blending Chinese mythology and queer legacy. Outstanding Dance Show was won by Samurai and Oiran of Japan.
The Asian Arts Special Award was won by The Lady Prince Consort, a classic Chinese opera about a young wife who disguises herself as a man (Mulan-style) to save her husband, with (almost) tragic consequences. Although performed in Mandarin with subtitles, it was both beautiful and hilariously funny, and sadly only played for one night at the Queens Hall.
The Asian Art Awards at the Edinburgh Fringe have been running since 2014 with a vision of bringing Asian artists together to celebrate and promote their talents. At a time of rising tensions between east and west, art plays a vital role in bringing nations and communities together.
Winners – 2026 Asian Art Awards
Outstanding Show
Winner: 2ShoulderPads: Galaxy Train, 2ShoulderPads. (Japan)
Highly Commended:
- The Palestinian Circus: Step and a Half, Underbelly and The Palestinian Circus with Medical Aid for Palestine (Palestine)
- YOAH, Underbelly, Cirquework and Cluster Arts (Japan)
Outstanding Musical or Comedy Show
Winner: Japanese Grandma Funeral, Kento Morita. (USA)
Highly Commended:
- Hater, Brava Guava, UK
- Olivia Xing: Baby of Colour., Olivia Xing. (China)
Outstanding Dance Show
Winner: Samurai and Oiran, Asakusa Kaguwa (Japan)
Highly Commended:
Strange Tales from Liaozhai, Yuerge Dance Theatre / Shanghai International Dance Center Theater. (China)
Outstanding Drama
Winner: Tether, Wonder Fools and Theatre SAN (Scotland/Republic of Korea)
Highly Commended:
- LANDSFRAU, Doris Crea Collective (Performed by Mariann Yar) (Germany)
- Olympic Hopefuls, in vivo Productions (USA)
- Why English?, Vibhinna Ramdev (India)
Outstanding Youth Show
Winner: Our Town Needs a Nando’s, Hot Mess Productions (Scotland)
Highly Commended:
- Kahi, The Inner Us – Explore the Soul, Nikkan Dance Academy, (India/Scotland)
Outstanding Children’s Show
Winner: Shhh! (A Wordless Comedy), Lang Spot Vietnam (Vietnam)
Outstanding Individual Performance
Winner: Cheeyang Ng, Legendary(Singapore)
Highly Commended:
- Seonju Jang, The Renaissance of Spring: Samsara and Shroop Directed and Choreographed by Yu-mi Kim. Jajack Movement and the Art Support & Incubation Dept., GGCF (Republic of Korea)
- Emma Tsoi, He Wants Kids, She Doesn’t, BF Productions. (Hong Kong)
- Aarushi Agni, EMOJI: The Hieroglyphs Of Our Time…. (USA)
Asian Arts Special Award
Winner: The Lady Prince Consort Anqing Zaifen Huangmei Opera Theatre (China)
Highly Commended:
- R/evolution(s), Dance Base Yokohama/Conan Amok (Japan)
Also shortlisted was The Princess Gives Her Lover a Sword by Guangdong Chao Opera Institute (China)
For further information please contact organiser Asha Trivedy of Asian Art Fund Scotland via contact@asianartfundscotland.
Asianartfundscotland.org – @aaa_edfringe on IG
