(Policy Address 2025) New arts academy and gallery towers planned for West Kowloon

Hong Kong will establish the WestK Academy as part of a broader strategy to develop the West Kowloon Cultural District into a global premium arts trading hub, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced in his policy address. 

The academy will provide professional training for local, mainland and international arts and cultural practitioners. The move aims to strengthen the city’s position as one of the world’s top three arts trading centers.

The West Kowloon Cultural District Authority will also introduce several measures next year to bolster the arts trading ecosystem. 

These include discussing leasing strategies for the Artist Square Towers, scheduled for completion in 2026-27, to attract galleries, insurance firms and family offices. 

An international collaboration network for arts conservation will be established to offer professional training and internships, while systematic training will be expanded in curation, conservation and arts administration.

Additionally, the WKCD will organize more high-profile international events, such as the Hong Kong International Cultural Summit and the 2026 Annual Conference of the Association of Asia Pacific Performing Arts Centres.

The district will commission WestK Quay by the end of this year to improve accessibility and integrate arts, culture, entertainment and tourism.

Beyond the district, the government plans to develop an arts ecosystem at the Airport City, featuring galleries, studios and large-scale storage facilities. It will also deepen collaboration with Art Basel to enhance Hong Kong’s role as a regional arts trading platform and engage the industry to explore supportive policies in taxation, financing and talent development.

(Ayra Wang)