'It is like we had no plan to explore outer space but we've been spending money on building rockets, without even asking why.'
That was the metaphor culture commentator Leung Man-to chose to sum up the government's approach to developing the arts in Hong Kong this year. The government pulled in big names, organised flashy events and gave generous support to creative industries on the international stage.
But critics were not appeased by what they saw as a piecemeal approach to building on Hong Kong's cultural capital.
'This kind of image project, or leadership project, is worrying,' said Albert Lai Kwong-tak, chairman of the Conservancy Association's centre for heritage.
The year began on a promising note. Former chief executive Tung Chee-hwa announced he would be chairing a new cultural and creative industries advisory body. But when Mr Tung stepped down in March, the plan was left idle.
'Where is it?' said Mr Leung. 'If Mr Tung had chaired the panel, [it would] have showed that he really cared. But after he left, no one ever talked about that panel any more.'
Instead of forming a proper body to address and give direction to cultural issues, the arts and creative industries, the government instead pursued options that would generate wider coverage.