FROM UNPRECEDENTED events come unprecedented reactions, and a sweeping sense of atypical fraternity has followed in the wake of Sars. Disaster has once again had a uniquely unifying effect. Although that says little for our sense of common purpose and public spirit before the outbreak, the medical, business, media and arts spheres have announced their responses to the devastation in an effort to put a smile back on the face of this city.
The arts world in particular has joined hands to help victims of the outbreak, with a series of collaborations aimed at raising money as well as morale. Hong Kong Arts Centre, Goethe-Institut Hong Kong, Para/Site Art Space, and Art in Hospital have united to present an exhibition aimed at capturing this new zeitgeist - literally. A Time Like This ... invites the public to submit works (written or drawn) that convey their feelings during this period. They refer to it as 'the SARS attack' - illustrating just how defensive people are feeling.
Equally significant is the fact that six of the main beneficiaries of the Arts Development Council are to share the stage on Friday night in a fund-raiser for local Sars orphans. 'This is the first collaboration between the six major arts groups in Hong Kong,' says Yip Wing-sie, music director of Hong Kong Sinfonietta, which will be joined by Hong Kong Ballet, Chung Ying Theatre Company, City Contemporary Dance Company (CCDC), Theatre Ensemble and Zuni Icosahedron to present Arts Relief for Sars, a one-off charity extravaganza for the newly established We Care Education Fund.
But a sense of anxiety prevail. Organisers claim the government's refusal to grant them the venue for free was due to its inability to grasp the significance of the event. 'We said 'this is a special occasion, can you not waive the cost this one time?'' explains Helen Ng of Hong Kong Ballet. 'We think this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but it insists there are rules and regulations and so it can't do something extraordinary.'
The government argues that if it makes exceptions for one group, it has to make exceptions for them all.
'Art belongs to the community and if there's anything we can do to help others, we should,' says Yip. 'When things like this cause the community to gather around, pop stars are usually the first to [be] seen to be making a contribution. They reach out a lot easier than, say, a classical musician. We hope this will show a more approachable face of classical and contemporary arts.'
The canto-pop world has been quick to react, with a swiftly organised concert, 1:99, featuring heavyweights such as Jacky Cheung Hok-yau, Andy Lau Tak-wah, Aaron Kwok Fu-shing, Hacken Lee, Nicholas Tse Ting-fung, Gigi Leung Wing-kei, and Joey Yung Cho-yee, to be staged on May 24 at Hong Kong Stadium. Proceeds will also be donated to the We Care fund.