Last year, the founder of Wan Fung Art Gallery, Dr. Kwok Ho Mun, has drafted a detailed proposal for the development of West Kowloon Cultural District. It was an action taken upon requests of our friends from the art and cultural sphere. The proposal received positive reviews and was published by Sing Tao Daily, Hong Kong Commercial Daily, Capital, and Taiwan’s Art Collection + Design Magazine. On 6^th, September, 2009, Dr. Kwok was invited to voice his opinions in the Legislative Council, he suggested that the fruitful achievement of Chinese art in the recent 100 years should not be neglected, and West Kowloon Cultural District should make use of Hong Kong’s advantages and China’s resources to establish the biggest world-class Art Center in the East.

 

However, the official response turned out to be a great disappointment. Ms Carrie Yau claimed that “M Plus has been well-planned already, and it should be difficult to make further adjustments”, making it doubtful whether the official consultation meetings are really meant for consulting, whether the voices from the majority are doomed to fall on deaf ears, and whether the opinions from the art industry are sincerely considered.

 

This meeting helps us to realize that the main reason that will contribute to the failure of West Kowloon Cultural District is the government’s attitude. If the government insists to go on shortsightedly without much understanding of art, we are afraid that a shocking sum of 21.6 billions will eventually be wasted on building an empty castle.

 

This project has been floating around for 7 years already, and many Hong Kong people are disappointed by its non-progressiveness. Some are even worried that it may turn Hong Kong into an international joke. But we still believe that it is possible for the situation to turn around. The sliding doors now hurry us to board the wrong train, shouldn’t we wait until the full potential of it is explored and appropriately utilized? In order to help the concerned parties understand the historical significance of the West Kowloon Cultural District project and the chances it holds, a conference will be held in Wan Fung Art Gallery on 15^th August, 2009, for which Dr. Kowk will be the host. You are all very welcome to join and exchange ideas.

 

Date                       :　15th August, 2009 (Saturday)

Time                       :  3 PM           

Venue               :　Wan Fung Art Gallery

(G/F, Cityplaza Three, Taikoo Shing, Hong Kong; MTR Taikoo Exit E1)

Phone               :  2736 9623 (R.S.V.P.)