Hong Kong has long been strengthening its credentials as a world-class arts hub. Since Art Basel was introduced in Hong Kong in 2013, the global art fair has brought a yearly international audience to the city (interrupted only by the pandemic), so much so that the government has designated March as “Art March”, the city’s official art month – coinciding with a slew of citywide art fairs, gallery exhibitions and related satellite events. The city is keen to continue pushing for growth in the creative sector and build on Hong Kong’s reputation as an international arts hub.
The West Kowloon Cultural District Authority recently established long-term partnerships with 21 leading arts and cultural institutions from around the globe – for instance between M+ museum and Centre Pompidou in Paris. But not all art belongs in museums, as it appears that collective nostalgia for art, film and, indeed, pop culture, is one of the main drivers of conversation – and crowds – for arts appreciation. Engendering public appreciation for art, incubating creative talent and promoting cultural dialogue has been the vision of Adrian Cheng since he established K11 Group in 2008.
At the heart of Victoria Dockside, K11 Art and Cultural District, which was masterminded by Cheng, comprises the cultural-retail landmark K11 Musea, luxury service residences K11 Artus, the next-generation workspace K11 Atelier, the Avenue of Stars (a tribute to Hong Kong cinematic legends) and the five-star R.