Officials pose for a group photo on the first day of the Art Hong Kong, a four-day art and cultural gala, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, on Nov 16, 2022. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG – As the 14th Five-Year Plan supports Hong Kong's development into an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange and in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, a four-day international arts and cultural gala opened in the city on Wednesday.

Titled Art Hong Kong, the event – being held at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre – aims to enhance Hong Kong's new cultural positioning and arts and cultural development.

 The gala comprises a large-scale art exhibition "Tradition and Modernity”, an inspiring series of international art forums, an array of community-engaging workshops and masterclasses presented by Xiling School, and daily educational guided tours.

China Daily’s Calvin Ng took the photos.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu delivers video message at the gala.

Lu Xinning, deputy director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong, speaks at the opening day of the gala.