The West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA) expects to collaborate with more high-profile IPs to boost the cultural sector, Chairman of the WKCDA Board Henry Tang Ying-yen said on Wednesday.

His remarks followed the launch of WestK Shanghai Week 2025 today, the first cross-disciplinary showcase of cultural and creative programs curated or co-organized outside of Hong Kong.

Speaking at a collaboration event between WKCDA and Shanghai brand MANNER COFFEE, Tang emphasized that the authorities aim to leverage the festival to promote the spirit of integrating art into life.

WestK is partnering with the beloved coffee brand for a special “WestK x MANNER” art collaboration that will be held until next Tuesday (Jun 24), with Hong Kong’s renowned illustrator Don Mak having crafted exclusive designs inspired by the Victoria Harbour skyline, WestK panoramas and iconic Hong Kong urban motifs.

To enhance the interactive experience, WestK has transformed MANNER COFFEE stores at Guoke Binjiang and Huaihai 755 into WestK X MANNER themed stores, where customers participated in a social media check-in activity to receive exclusive postcards.

WestK has also set up a pop-up booth featured at Shanghai Xintiandi, offering more than 5,000 gifts including the daily grand prize of 18,000 Asia Miles, one-year memberships, or full access tickets to the Hong Kong Palace Museum and M+.

Tong highlighted that the Shanghai stop of the exhibition “I. M. Pei: Life Is Architecture,” co-organized by M+ and the Power Station of Art (PSA), has attracted around 80,000 visitors since its launch in late April.

During the WestK Shanghai Week, the original Cantonese musical The Impossible Trial will premiere at Shanghai Culture Square, while M+ will partner with PSA to host public seminars on Thursday.

Additionally, the Hong Kong Palace Museum will stage the City Rhythms: Chinese Traditional Culture Reinterpreted exhibition at Shanghai’s Zhang Yuan starting Friday.

This exhibition will offer a fresh interpretation of traditional Chinese gardens and landscapes, exploring the rich cultural narratives of both Hong Kong and Shanghai.

The participating Hong Kong artists include both emerging talents and seasoned creators in painting, video, and multimedia art, featuring Kasing Lung, the visionary behind the iconic collectible Labubu.

(Judy Cui)
(Updated at 8.07pm)

West Kowloon Cultural District targets big-name IP collaborations for growth