Amid Article 23 tensions, Hong Kong cultural summit shows a better way to connect

The soft power of arts and culture transcends borders, influencing perceptions and fostering goodwill without the need for political or economic leverage
The inaugural Hong Kong International Cultural Summit played an essential role in attracting visitors and countering negative perceptions

Bernard Chan

Published: 9:30am, 5 Apr 2024

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March has been an important month for Hong Kong in many ways. Early highlights included the 2024-25 budget and the implementation of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance under Article 23. Both events were the subject of much discussion throughout the community.

However, there was a massive uptick in geopolitical rhetoric, with much condemnation and fearmongering that Hong Kong’s demise was yet again nigh.

The narrative from certain governments and international media outlets was so intense that many in the city feared the seemingly never-ending torrent of negative commentary would deter international visitors from returning to Hong Kong. Thankfully, this has not been the case, and an increasing number of foreign visitors has been evident on the streets for much of March.

The inaugural Hong Kong International Cultural Summit played an essential role in attracting visitors and countering negative perceptions as the event welcomed over 1,000 delegates from all over the world.

Many international visitors came, drawn by Art Basel, Art Central and the many cultural and art events delighting and engaging visitors and locals alike. There was a sense that Hong Kong was returning to business as usual, but that was short-lived as significant numbers of residents traded Hong Kong for destinations across mainland China for the Easter break.

Apart from attracting a mix of new and returning visitors, the significance of the inaugural cultural summit cannot be underestimated. Those who attended included many renowned cultural leaders and influencers, representing some of the most important cultural districts, institutions and museums in the world.

Attendees experienced the city’s energy and vibrancy firsthand, and their comments and feedback about being in Hong Kong were overwhelmingly positive.

A jogger runs past the art installation “Atelier Sisu” at Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District, on April 2. Visitors who attended the recent Hong Kong International Cultural Summit organised by the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority were able to experience the city’s vibrancy firsthand. Photo: Sam Tsang

The West Kowloon Cultural District Authority developed the summit to enhance our international connectivity and initiate new global partnerships with top-tier institutions. Hong Kong is increasingly recognised as a growing power in the global cultural landscape, so the event strengthens our position in the region’s arts and culture epicentre.

In less than five years, West Kowloon Cultural District’s Xiqu Centre, M+ museum of visual culture and Palace Museum have emerged as highly respected institutions on the global cultural stage. The signing of 21 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) at the summit reflects the high regard in which Hong Kong, the West Kowloon Cultural District and our key institutions are held.

All involved have worked tirelessly to engage with the world’s most influential contemporary and historical institutions. MOU signatories included the Centre Pompidou, Musee National Picasso-Paris and National Museum of the Palaces of Versailles and Trianon in France, the Museo Nacional Del Prado in Spain, the Tate and the Victoria and Albert Museum in the United Kingdom, the Tokyo National Museum and Tokyo National Art Centre in Japan, the Getty Conservation Institute in the US, the Sharjah Art Foundation in the United Arab Emirates, the Qatar Museums on behalf of the Museum of Islamic Art, the Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art in South Korea, the Film Archive in Thailand, and the Asian Film Archive in Singapore.

The MOUs cover 11 countries, including China; four agreements were signed in the performing arts alone. These new relationships reflect Hong Kong’s increasing relevance as Asia’s most important hub.

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The soft power of arts and culture lies in their ability to transcend borders and influence global perceptions, fostering understanding and goodwill between nations without the need for political or economic leverage. Their role is becoming increasingly important in an era of decoupling and a move away from globalisation, providing the soft power necessary to break down barriers and support greater engagement, understanding and respect among nations.

The summit focused on the multifaceted contributions of cultural districts in driving transformative social and economic development. It highlighted their ability to re-energise cities and improve the quality of life across communities.

The energy emanating from a vibrant cultural district creates positive perceptions of an inclusive modern society that increasingly appeals to international audiences. They highlight a location as an attractive place in which to live, work or visit.

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Speakers and panellists explored the impact of emerging technologies, particularly generative artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain, which are fundamentally changing how we live as we enter the next digital revolution. This topic also highlights the importance of Hong Kong’s development as a hub for technology and innovation.

It is clear that the relationship between museums and their audiences is changing, and the intersection of art, science and technology influences artistic practices and the cultural landscape of the 21st century and societies.

Hong Kong is well-positioned to remain an integral part of the global dialogue, and the inaugural International Cultural Summit has expanded our outreach and provided us with a valuable opportunity to work alongside and learn from our peers.

Bernard Chan is a Hong Kong businessman and the vice-chairman of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority