MTR East Rail Line showcases creative artworks with local artists

MTR Corporation has collaborated with Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation (HKYAF) and two local artists to revive East Rail Line by designing large-scale creative artworks inside the train.  The project aims to showcase the iconic landmarks and culture through large-scale illustrations which are larger than two standard basketball courts and give passengers a delightful journey while discovering the uniqueness of the communities along the railway line.

From now until end of the year, passengers will be able to see the eye-catching bold text saying “East Rail Line” in English and Chinese with a pattern inspired by the strokes of the EAL’s Chinese station names and colours, created by artist Wong Ting Fung, when the colourful “East Rail Line ‧ Fun Fun Art” train arrives at station platforms.

On the inside of the trains, there will be illustrations by another local artist Cheng Kin Yip and hot air balloon images created by students from primary and secondary schools along the EAL depicting landmarks and distinctive scenes from the 16 EAL stations. The overall design allows passengers to find out more about the culture and lifestyle of the communities along this century-old railway from the New Territories to Kowloon and Hong Kong Island as if they were visiting different districts while having an enjoyable ride.

Meanwhile, Sarah Lee, bronze medalist of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Cycling Track Women’s Sprint, was also invited to join the artwork creation. Inspired by the Greek goddess of victory inscribed on the Tokyo Olympics medals, she decorated a hot air balloon image which is now displayed in the train carriage that features Fo Tan station.   Linda Choy, corporate affairs and branding director of MTR Corporation together with local singer Hins Cheung, HKYAF director Wendy Tsang and the artists were invited to celebrate the launch of the colourful art train on 7 August 2022.  

The colourful “East Rail Line ‧ Fun Fun Art”train then made a stop at Tai Po Market Station for the public to “check in” to take gorgeous photos with its vivid exterior decor and visit the unique landmarks from the colourful interior.

“Spanning 46 km in length and serving 16 stations, the EAL connects neighbourhoods with abundant nature and beautiful scenery to the urban heart of Hong Kong. In addition to the convenience of the extension of the EAL to Hong Kong Island, this collaboration with local artists and students studying along the line injects the unique styles of communities into the train. During the full journey, which is about 50 minutes, passengers can admire the large-scale artwork while discovering the distinctive features of local communities, such as commercial centres in Admiralty, Goldfish Street in Mong Kok, and the Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees in Tai Po, making the journey more fun,” said Linda Choy, corporate affairs and branding director of MTR Corporation.

Wendy Tsang, the director of HKYAF said: “We are delighted to cooperate with MTR again to promote art with local artists as well as to engage students along the EAL in the creation. The colourful ‘East Rail Line ‧ Fun Fun Art’ train provides a moving platform for the general public to enjoy a fresh perspective in appreciating art and discovering local culture. The students serve as tour guides by using their creations to share their love and passion for the communities.”

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