Sunday, August 25, 2024 The Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) recently concluded its third edition of the flagship youth-learning initiative, the “Bi-city Youth Cultural Leadership Programme.” The program, which spanned two months, culminated with a final stop at the Palace Museum in Beijing, wrapping up an enriching cultural exchange that traversed Hong Kong, Chengdu, and Beijing. Participants from both Beijing and Hong Kong engaged in thought-provoking discussions on promoting Chinese culture and the growth of creative industries.
These discussions featured esteemed figures, including Dr. Wang Xudong, Director of the Palace Museum; Lou Wei, Executive Deputy Director of the Palace Museum; Dr. Louis Ng, Museum Director of the HKPM; Vinci Chan, Assistant Director of The Office of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Beijing; and Han Zhi, Director of Retail at Swire Properties.
Supported by Swire Properties as the Lead Sponsor, the Programme also received backing from the Palace Museum and The Office of the Government of the HKSAR of the People’s Republic of China in Beijing. Ednovators, a Hong Kong-based charity, partnered to design the initiative, reflecting a commitment to fostering cultural awareness and leadership among young people. The program’s activities in Beijing included a full-day visit to the Palace Museum, where participants explored the soon-to-be-unveiled Digital Gallery of the Great Hall of Exalted Mystery.
Here, students witnessed how digital innovations are employed to present Chinese culture in a modern, engaging way. The tour also included the Department of Conservation Science, providing insights into how technology aids in preserving cultural artefacts. A significant highlight of the visit was a sharing session with Dr.
Wang Xudong, who imparted his extensive knowledge under the theme “All that is the Forbidden City and the Forbidden City for All.” The students, in turn, shared their experiences and insights from the two-month journey, focusing on the theme “The Future of Cultural Ecosystems.” The session facilitated meaningful exchanges between the students and the special guests, enriching their understanding of cultural heritage and leadership.
Dr Wang Xudong, Director of the Palace Museum , said, “The Palace Museum has closely collaborated with the Hong Kong Palace Museum for three editions of the ‘Bi-city Youth Cultural Leadership Programme’ . The Programme fosters cultural exchange between Beijing and Hong Kong, cultivating young cultural talents with strong vision and innovative thinking. Their participation injects new vitality into the inheritance of Chinese traditional culture.
The past editions saw active participation from students in both cities exude cultural confidence, a strong sense of cultural identity and a forward-thinking creative mindset. Moving forward, the Palace Museum will continue working with the Hong Kong Palace Museum, drawing on the cultural resources of both parties. We hope to welcome more young people and students to the Palace Museum, enabling them to immerse themselves in the invaluable cultural heritage, and subsequently share their enlightening experiences with the others, thereby promoting the brilliance of Chinese culture.
” Dr Louis Ng, Museum Director of the HKPM , said, “We are deeply encouraged by how well the programme was received by students in Beijing and Hong Kong, as well as industry professionals and experts over the past three editions of the ‘Bi-city Youth Cultural Leadership Programme’ . We are grateful to Swire Properties for their generous sponsorship, which has enabled the Programme to reach and inspire youth through cultural, artistic and academic exchanges. The Programme not only advances our goal of fostering cultural interaction and promoting Chinese cultural heritage, it also reinforces Hong Kong’s position as an international hub for cultural talent and future industry leaders.
” Tim Blackburn, Chief Executive of Swire Properties , said, “We are delighted to have shared our experiences of successful placemaking with the third cohort of the ‘Bi-city Youth Cultural Leadership Programme’ , showcasing the way we integrate art and local culture into our developments in Hong Kong, Chengdu and Beijing. Ultimately, we hope to empower the next generation to create vibrant and sustainable places where arts and culture can thrive as a part of everyday life. We’re honoured to have collaborated with numerous cultural institutions and many exceptional individuals, and we look forward to the impact that these students will have in the future.
” Third Edition of Cultural Exchange Programme Fosters Future Cultural Entrepreneurs The third edition of the “Bi-city Youth Cultural Leadership Programme” provided participating students with a rich, two-month cultural exchange and learning experience that began in Hong Kong in July. Following their time in Hong Kong, the students continued their journey with visits to Chengdu and Beijing. Through immersive workshops, masterclasses, and internships at various arts and cultural institutions or private enterprises in Hong Kong, these students have expanded their perspectives and honed their skills as aspiring “cultural entrepreneurs.
” In mid-August, participants had the opportunity to visit the newly opened New Sanxingdui Museum and Taikoo Li Chengdu, where they explored the integration of art, culture, and historical elements into modern placemaking. They also attended a forum titled “Tradition and Future: Modernisation and Localisation of Cultural Legacy,” where they engaged in discussions with experts from cultural heritage, design, and architecture fields. Topics included cultural preservation, innovation, and the revitalization of urban spaces.
Since its inception in November 2022, the Programme has engaged nearly 130 university students from Beijing and Hong Kong in a series of dynamic cultural exchanges and learning activities, promoting a deeper understanding of cultural heritage and leadership. Applications for the fourth edition of the “Bi-city Youth Cultural Leadership Programme” will open in early 2025. Further details will be made available on the Hong Kong Palace Museum’s website in the coming months.
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