More than 1,000 arts and cultural visionaries and thought leaders from around the world gathered at the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD or the District), today to kick off the inaugural Hong Kong International Cultural Summit 2024 (HKICS or the Summit), the largest international cultural conference ever staged in Hong Kong, hosted by the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA or the Authority).
The Opening cum Plenary Session took place at the Xiqu Centre, the District's flagship performing arts venue, this morning, bringing together more than 1,000 delegates from Hong Kong, Mainland China, Asia and beyond. Addressing the opening session were John KC Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR); Henry Tang Ying- yen, Chairman of the Board of WKCDA; Wang Xudong, Director of The Palace Museum, who delivered a congratulatory message on behalf of Sun Yeli, Minister of Culture and Tourism and Bertrand Lortholary, Ambassador of France to China.
Henry Tang Ying-yen, Chairman of the Board of WKCDA, highlighted the Authority's commitment to promoting dialogue and building partnerships across countries and regions through arts and culture. "I wish to express my gratitude to the esteemed visionaries and leaders from the global arts and culture sector who have travelled here to share their wisdom, forge new relationships and sign Memoranda of Understanding. We see this as a vote of confidence in Hong Kong. I hope that by gaining first-hand experience of this amazing city and its vibrant arts and cultural scene, the delegates will better understand the potential of Hong Kong as a fulcrum for the arts, cultural and creative industries, and see the importance of the WKCD as a 'cultural CBD' that is rapidly gaining recognition on the international stage."
In his remarks at the Summit's opening, John KC Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, reaffirmed Hong Kong's long-standing role as the multicultural bridge between East and West. "Under the auspices of the unique 'one country, two systems' principle, Hong Kong is the only city in the world that enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage," said Lee. He remarked that the National 14th Five-Year Plan supports Hong Kong's development into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. He said the HKSAR Government attaches great importance to propelling Hong Kong's rise as a cultural hub, and expressed his confidence that international collaborations like those facilitated by the Summit will enrich Hong Kong's cultural landscape and create invaluable opportunities for the city's performing arts groups, artists and youth to broaden their creative horizons. He welcomed artists and cultural groups from various places to perform in Hong Kong and experience all that Hong Kong has on offer as a world city.
Delivering a congratulatory message on behalf of Sun Yeli, Minister of Culture and Tourism, Wang Xudong, Director of The Palace Museum, China, said, "This Summit brings together cultural leaders and experts from across the world to discuss the latest trends and practices in cultural development, in order to build a platform that promotes cultural exchanges and understanding between East and West. This Summit injects new energy into the development of Hong Kong's cultural industries, paving the way for the integrated development of Hong Kong's culture and tourism at a wider, deeper, and higher level."
Bertrand Lortholary, Ambassador of France to China, said, "Cultural exchanges between France and Hong Kong are dense, and we want to continue strengthening them, with the West Kowloon Cultural District as a major partner."
Themed "Connecting Cultures, Bridging Times", the Summit has brought together more than 20 eminent speakers from 12 countries and regions, including the heads of the world's most important cultural districts and most esteemed international arts and cultural institutions, to engage in compelling discussions on topical issues related to the future development of cultural districts and museums. The delegates also include leaders from the world's top museums, conservation and art research institutes and performing arts organisations, as well as from the academic, commercial and film sectors and government.
Comment