Chief Executive Donald Tsang
Hong Kong owes much of its creative flair to its unique blend of Eastern and Western influences, not least from the UK.
The exchange and collaboration between our two arts sectors is strong. As I speak, the Hong Kong Heritage Museum is showcasing a selection of iconic works of contemporary British art.
Frequent performances by British artists and art groups enrich the tapestry of our arts scene. Next year, UK Now, a major festival celebrating British arts and culture managed by the British Council, will be held in China. I am happy that some of the festival programmes will also take place in Hong Kong, which will further strengthen our cultural links with the UK.
Hong Kong's arts and culture scene thrives on our free flow of information, freedom of expression and unfettered media. We see great economic potential in developing Hong Kong's cultural and creative industries. They create jobs and attract visitors. Perhaps most important, these industries inspire new ideas and enrich the quality of life for all residents.
Our main arts events include the
Hong Kong Arts Festival, which celebrates its 40th anniversary next year. The 2011 Festival presented more than 280 performances including programmes produced by the Birmingham Royal Ballet and Halle Orchestra.
Next year, a Hong Kong theatre company will be part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad, a cultural celebration for the London Olympic Games. We are excited that Hong Kong will be able to add a Cantonese touch to this multilingual project of Shakespeare's Globe theatre.
Hong Kong is perhaps best known for its films. We rank first in Asia in terms of per capita film production.
And last year, seven of the top 10 Chinese-language box office hits in the Mainland of China were Hong Kong-Mainland co-productions, which underscores the opportunities for our film sector to grow in this huge market.
Just a few days ago, a Hong Kong actress, Deanie Ip, won the Best Actress Award at the 68th Venice International Film Festival. She has a leading role in a film entitled "A Simple Life," which is a Hong Kong production based on a Hong Kong story. No simple achievement, I must say.
To celebrate the success of our film industry, Hong Kong Film Week in London opens today and runs until Friday. It has been organised by the
Hong Kong Trade Development Council in conjunction with
Create Hong Kong and our
Film Development Council. It features five celebrated Hong Kong films and will include the international premiere of
Overheard II as well as the award-winning
Echoes of the Rainbow and the martial arts masterpiece
Ip Man.
Finally, a quick plug for our
West Kowloon Cultural District, a massive project underway on 100 acres of prime waterfront land in Hong Kong. We are confident this ambitious venture will help cement Hong Kong's credentials as a cultural and arts hub in Asia.
The distinguished architect Lord Foster has devised the master plan for the project. And the former Chief Executive of the Southbank Centre and the Sydney Opera House, Michael Lynch, will lead implementation of the project. So, the project already has some strong UK and international links.
I am delighted that the Artistic Hong Kong exhibition is showcasing our city's creative talent here in London, one of the world's great capitals of culture.
I look forward to the fruits of future collaboration between Hong Kong and Britain in developing the arts.
Chief Executive Donald Tsang made these remarks at the Artistic Hong Kong reception and exhibition in London.
