Bernard Chan confident with HK arts hub status

Bernard Chan, chairman of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, expressed confidence that Hong Kong can solidify its position as an East-meets-West cultural and arts hub. The city's first five-year plan aims to develop and consolidate its role as a center for international cultural exchange, along with diversified cultural, arts, and creative industries.

In an interview on RTHK's "Vision 15: Hong Kong's Chapter," Chan highlighted that Hong Kong serves as an excellent platform for international cultural projects and attracts top artistic talent worldwide. He emphasized that local talent combined with the ability to attract global talent makes the city unique, thanks to its East-meets-West exchange.

Chan pointed out that society aspires to see a blend of Asian and Western styles. While the West Kowloon hub represents the public aspect of Hong Kong's arts and cultural ecosystem, the private market is also expanding, with activities such as auctions, art storage, and arts-related investment. Chan noted that the central government has acknowledged Hong Kong's cultural development efforts.

He further mentioned that numerous international cultural institutions visiting Hong Kong over the past two years have confirmed the city's accomplishments and expressed hopes for collaboration, indicating that Hong Kong's cultural and arts hub status has reached an even higher level.