Gathering of global artists exemplifies cultural-bridge role of Hong Kong

Lu Xinning (fifth right), deputy director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR; Pan Yundong (fourth right), deputy commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR; HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu (center); Wang Xudong (fifth left), director of the Palace Museum; Legislative Council President Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen (fourth left); Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung (third left); Henry Tang Ying-yen (third right), chairman of the board of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, and other guests pose for a group photo during the Hong Kong International Cultural Summit in Xiqu Centre on March 25, 2024. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)

Hong Kong is on its way to becoming the arts, culture, and events capital of Asia, said officials and the top minds from the art and cultural circle as the city launched its first Hong Kong International Cultural Summit on Monday.

The summit, one of the largest international cultural gatherings ever held in Hong Kong, attracted 20 cultural experts from prominent cultural institutions across 12 countries and regions, alongside over 1,000 representatives from top global cultural organizations.

Themed “Connecting Cultures, Bridging Times”, the summit was organized by the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority from Sunday through today, with Sunday’s events all by invitation only.

At the opening ceremony on Monday, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu introduced a series of high-level arts events held during the city’s “Art March”, including the ongoing Art@Harbour and the forthcoming Art Basel Hong Kong. These events mark Hong Kong’s return to the international stage as a vibrant host for major arts and cultural festivities, he added.

HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu speaks during the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong International Cultural Summit in Xiqu Centre on March 25, 2024. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)

Lee also outlined Hong Kong’s strategy to enhance its cultural landscape, including funding cultural initiatives and launching a program to bring world-class performing arts productions to the city for extended runs. Also, the government will continue its support of local arts groups and artists to showcase their work outside Hong Kong.

He highlighted Hong Kong’s enduring role as a multicultural bridge between East and West, a position strengthened by the city’s rich Chinese heritage and its open, inclusive and international community.

Lee affirmed Hong Kong’s goal of becoming an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchanges, based on its advantages that come with the “one country, two systems” principle, the robust support of the central government under the national 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), and the local government’s commitment to arts and cultural development.

Henry Tang Ying-yen, board chairman of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, said the gathering is a vote of confidence in the city by the art world.

ALSO READ: Hong Kong seen as cultural exchange hub

Guests clap after posing for a group photo during the Hong Kong International Cultural Summit in Xiqu Centre on March 25, 2024. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)

He invited attendees to immerse themselves in Hong Kong’s artistic atmosphere and explore its potential as a nexus for the arts, culture, and creative industries.

Also speaking at the event was Wang Xudong, director of the Palace Museum in Beijing, who said he expected the summit to inject new impetus into the city’s cultural development while drawing significant cultural tourism.

Wang also delivered a message from Minister of Culture and Tourism Sun Yeli, who said that central government authorities will continue supporting Hong Kong’s cultural showcase and engagement with other civilizations.

Pioneering discussions

On Monday afternoon, summit participants attended two panel discussions at the M+ museum, where they explored the role of artists and art institutions in the digital era.

Henry Tang Ying-yen, chairman of the board of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, speaks during the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong International Cultural Summit in Xiqu Centre on March 25, 2024. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)

Media artist Refik Anadol, who was acclaimed for his immersive art projects generated by data-driven machine-learning algorithms, asked audience members to hold hands with the person seated next to them to highlight the fact that human beings are inherently connected to each other.

Both Anadol and Marcella Lista, head curator of New Media and Asia Pacific at Centre Pompidou in Paris, demonstrated their fondness for projects that include a natural component, even when the projects may involve the application of cutting-edge technology.

Wang Xudong, director of the Palace Museum, speaks during the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong International Cultural Summit in Xiqu Centre on March 25, 2024. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)

READ MORE: HK delegation forges educational, cultural bonds in Beijing

“Nature is the most complex machine we have,” Anadol said, sharing his experience of traveling deep into the Amazonian forests and learning from its indigenous people about cherishing and respecting the offerings of nature.

The summit will conclude today with two panel discussions featuring international museum leaders like Miguel Falomir of Spain’s Prado National Museum; Yannick Lintz of France’s Guimet-National Museum of Asian Arts; and Wang Chunfa of the National Museum of China. They will discuss global museum practices and collaborative opportunities in the post-COVID-19 era.

Contact the writers at oasishu@chinadailyhk.com