Arts in HK: Discovering Hong Kong’s vibrant arts scene

This post is sponsored by Hong Kong Tourism Board

Since 2016, Hong Kong Arts Month has ignited the city every March with an electrifying blend of global art exhibitions, performances, and captivating activities. Since 2022, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) unveiled Arts in Hong Kong (HK), a revitalised version of the city's vibrant arts scene. Its mission? Cementing Hong Kong as the premier Arts Hub in Asia, captivating art enthusiasts, and showcasing the cultural treasures of the new West Cultural Kowloon district, such as M+ Gallery and Hong Kong Palace Museum. With renewed energy, the Arts in HK campaign sharpens the city's reputation as a dynamic arts destination.

What began as a focused initiative has now evolved into a year-long celebration, surpassing its initial scope. Guided by the campaign's vision, the arts scene in Hong Kong has flourished, featuring a diverse range of artistic displays, ranging from traditional exhibitions to cutting-edge installations. This has firmly established the city as a thriving centre that captivates locals and international visitors.

Spearheaded by HKTB, this initiative received esteemed accolades at the prestigious PR Awards 2023 hosted by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE. HKTB's efforts in promoting the arts in Hong Kong were honoured with the Best Regional PR (Gold) award for significant regional influence, the Best PR-Led Integrated Communications (Bronze) award for effective communication channel integration, and the Best Use of Social Media (Bronze) award for skilful engagement of audiences through digital platforms.

HKTB took a proactive step to localise the campaign by working with 18 Southeast Asian (SEA) artists, enabling them to display their unique perspectives and creative prowess to enrich artistic expression in the region.

Photo: Chong Fei Giap Artwork

One such artist is Chong Fei Giap from Malaysia, whose illustrations skilfully capture the essence of iconic Hong Kong landmarks, delectable cuisine, and rich cultural traditions. Reflecting on the significance of his artworks, Chong explains, "My artwork takes people on a journey through the new arts and cultural district of West Kowloon where traditional and modern art forms work harmoniously to showcase Hong Kong's artistic history. Other inspirations include classic Cantonese cuisine, festivals, and attractions that we all have come to love about the city." Chong's artworks not only provide a visual spectacle but also demonstrate the enduring artistic legacy and cultural treasures of Hong Kong.

Photo: Krissie Mateo’s Artwork

Another talented artist contributing to the Arts in Hong Kong campaign is Krissie Mateo from the Philippines, known for her skilled paper artistry. Her captivating piece features life-sized paper slippers inspired by the renowned Sindart, a traditional slipper embroidery store in Hong Kong. When asked about her creative process, she passionately expresses her admiration, "I am inspired by Miru Wong, the third-generation store owner of Sindart, who has beautifully upheld her family’s tradition of silk embroidery alive while incorporating modern designs into her work. This marrying of old and new became the main inspiration for this paper art piece. " Mateo's work showcases the enduring allure of Hong Kong's artistic heritage.

Photo: Arts Basel 2023 in Hong Kong

Since Hong Kong reopened its borders, its art scene has thrived under the transformative influence of the Arts in Hong Kong campaign, which breathed new life into the local art community and reaffirmed the city's position as a global destination for creativity and cultural exchange. And at the heart of the Arts in HK campaign is the highly anticipated Arts Basel event, where top galleries from Asia and beyond gather on a grand stage. This exhibition stands as a beacon of creativity, highlighting artistic diversity and global perspectives while playing a crucial role in nourishing Hong Kong's artistic ecosystem. It provides a coveted opportunity for artists to showcase their talents and ideas, fostering collaboration, inspiration, and creative growth.

The Arts in HK campaign has undeniably sparked a cultural renaissance, firmly positioning Hong Kong as the unparalleled Arts Hub of Asia. Through a year-long array of arts activities and the enthusiastic involvement of international artists from different backgrounds, this initiative has garnered worldwide attention and acclaim. As this extraordinary artistic journey continues, it solidifies Hong Kong's status as a vibrant centre for cultural expression, bolstering its standing in the art world.