Convergence, the latest dance production by the Hong Kong Dance Company, combines Chinese martial arts with Chinese-style dance. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

The city will host its first Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo in October next year, as part of the city’s efforts to become a global cultural hub, establish a platform for art practitioners, forge partnerships and connect with potential investors.

In a media conference on Wednesday, the chief organizer of HKPAE – the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC) – said the event will showcase a diverse array of cultural activities, including performances, talks, and exhibitions across Hong Kong.

While West Kowloon will serve as the primary hub, HKPAE, as a city-wide celebration of performing arts, will hold activities in performing arts venues across districts of Hong Kong 

Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, the chairman of the HKADC,  said that participating artists and organizations will have the opportunity to visit other cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), such as Shenzhen and Guangzhou, and engage with officials, investors and practitioners from the arts sector there to explore the Chinese mainland market.

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HKPAE, which was introduced in the October 2022 Policy Address, received a grant of HK$42 million ($5,352,000) in the 2022-23 Budget. 

While West Kowloon will serve as the primary hub, HKPAE, as a city-wide celebration of performing arts, will hold activities in performing arts venues across districts of Hong Kong, Fok added.

Wilfred Wong Ying-wai, former chair of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council said that the event will feature an “international performance” session to showcase top global arts groups. 

Also, a special “project pitch” session will be held, providing a platform for artists and cultural groups to deliver 15-minute presentations showcasing their projects. An international panel of judges will evaluate their pitches, Wong said. 

Starting on Wednesday, applications for these two sessions are open to artists and organizations worldwide. All talented individuals and groups are invited to submit their applications, Wong said. 

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung said that as an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange, Hong Kong enjoys unique advantages under “one country, two systems” while being connected to both the mainland market and the global stage. 

These present unparalleled and unrivalled opportunities for Hong Kong's arts and culture sector, Yeung said.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government has high expectation that the HKPAE will evolve into the city’s signature branding in the long run, benefitting its arts and culture sector, Yeung said. 

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Immediately after the expo, which will be held  from October 14-18, 2024, Hong Kong will host the 2024 Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival, with the exact dates yet to be announced, Yeung said. 

These two important arts and culture events will synergize and complement each other. Participants can enjoy the high-level offerings of arts groups from around the world, while at the same time exploring the possibility of tapping into the GBA market, as well as further understanding the Chinese culture and promoting cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world, Yeung said. 

When queried about whether the content of programs at HKPAE should adhere to the National Security Law for Hong Kong (NSL), Yeung emphasized that the NSL must be complied with in Hong Kong. However, he confirmed that it will not impede the development of arts and culture in the city.  Hong Kong still provides ample freedom and opportunities for international artists to exhibit their talents, Yeung said.