Cultural chief lays out blueprint for art hub: financing, talent, and airport storage

Hong Kong is striving to become an art trading hub by studying financing and talent policies, while the world’s first airport art storage facility is set to open in late 2026.
This was revealed today by Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui as guest of honor at the ArtCan Award 2025 and forum, held at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.
The art storage facility is part of the airport city Skytopia under the Airport Authority Hong Kong.
Law added that art events can be held at AsiaWorld-Expo—also operated by AAHK—and that cooperation with Art Basel will be deepened to secure Hong Kong’s role as its sole Asian host.
According to MDRi, Hong Kong’s art auction market share outperformed London’s in 2025, ranking only behind New York.
Looking ahead to 2026, the bureau plans to enrich the arts ecosystem with refreshed themes, a flagship long-term performance scheme featuring dramas such as “Storm Riders” and the “McDull” stage play, and ongoing encouragement for extended runs.

Reflecting on her first year in office and future direction, Law highlighted Hong Kong’s unique position blending Lingnan heritage with East-West international fusion, noting strong potential in both preservation and innovation.
Key achievements include Kai Tak Sports Park, which has become a global landmark since opening last year, hosting over 90 international and local events for more than 7 million visitors—including BLACKPINK’s January concert.
The recently opened East Kowloon Cultural Centre was praised as a state-of-the-art flagship venue rivaling top global facilities, equipped with advanced sound, technology, and art-tech support to enhance stage design and creativity.

Law stressed that venues alone are insufficient—talent and quality programming are essential for a sustainable industry. Government support ensures public access, while arts groups must secure commercial sponsorship to avoid elitism.
She advocated for works that appeal to broad audiences, build reputation, attract tourists, and become timeless classics integral to Hong Kong’s identity.
Examples include West Kowloon’s commissioned original musical “The Impossible Trial,” a sell-out hit blending Lingnan and Cantonese elements, now touring mainland China and overseas to promote Hong Kong stories.
Another is East Kowloon’s commissioned “HighLights: The Memory of Charles Kao,” which uses 20 original songs and cross-media art-tech to transform the Nobel laureate’s memories into light and melody.