The power of arts and culture should not be underestimated. They educate, inform, inspire and bring joy. They open doors to discovery, unite communities and break down barriers between cultures and people. In a broader context, the arts help to define our cities, offering a point of focus for the community and an opportunity to develop a clear cultural identity.
Hong Kong has been successful in defining itself as a financial centre, but culture can play as big a role as capital in determining the city’s global relevance in the years to come. The world’s great cities are increasingly measured by the depth of their cultural offerings, their ability to connect communities and an openness to global collaborations. The arts are not just an expensive sideshow – they can be just as crucial to a city’s development as roads, bridges and airports.
For cities dealing with questions about identity and long-term competitiveness, culture can be a powerful strategic lever that simultaneously strengthens local cohesion and elevates international standing. In this context, Hong Kong cannot afford to fall behind when regional counterparts are investing in arts and culture.
