FASHION COMES and goes, and in Hong Kong, where celebrity performers are generally referred to as 'artists', culture looks set to be big business this year.
In a town where the population is reared on television soaps and Canto-pop, the sudden rush of enthusiasm from property consortiums and the public for all things artsy, brought on by the government's desire to transform the West Kowloon site into a future arts hub, is both encouraging and worrying.
The catalyst for this newfound faith in culture - prime waterfront land - represents a lot more than real estate profits and total retail space. We are mapping out our future, and West Kowloon has to be built now, so we are told.
Imagine the benefits: the Norman Foster-designed sky canopy soaring above world-class museums; millions of tourists marvelling at the architectural feat and, finally, our appreciative offspring reaping the benefits of our spiritual wisdom.
So far, much of the discussion about the site has centred around the economic viability of the canopy, what museums to build and how many luxury apartments should be permitted. Interest groups tell us we must have a specialist museum housing ink paintings. Chinese opera advocates say they must have a theatre devoted to the craft. And Anita Mui's mother wants a museum to commemorate her daughter's contribution to the arts.
But let us not be naive that our arts and culture are at stake here.
Hong Kong has its orchestras and ballets, drama groups and Chinese operas, festivals and exhibitions. If the West Kowloon hub ends up a fizzer, these will still be around.