Cash-strapped cultural district thinking big

West Kowloon Cultural District is to host a series of phenomenal events despite financial pressure. One is the International Cultural Summit on March 25-26, during Hong Kong Arts Month, when global museum chiefs and cultural leaders exchange views.

Heavyweights include Tim Reeve, chair of East Bank Board, deputy director and chief operating officer of Victoria and Albert Museum, renowned media artist Refik Anadol, and Ma Yansong, founder of the innovative MAD Architects.

WKCD chief executive Betty Fung Ching Suk-yee said yesterday museum representatives had expressed interests in the event.

Another highlight is I.M. Pei Life is Architecture, a retrospective exhibition of the master architect Pei Ieoh-ming, who designed the BOCHK Tower and the Louvre Museum.

WKCD will run out of funds by June and is seeking government bailout.

Fung said WKCD needs billions to hold events alongside developments like the Lyric Theatre Complex to be completed in 2025. Upon completion, the Lyric Theatre Complex will serve as a residence for esteemed local dance groups, with potential examples being the Hong Kong Ballet, Hong Kong Dance Company, City Contemporary Dance Company, and others

It will be the first time for the local dance groups to be in the artist-in-residence program and can rent the below-market-price facilities for rehearsals and performances.