The pending departure of Lars Nittve, executive director of the visual culture museum M+, adds oil to the revolving door that is senior management of West Kowloon Cultural District. It reminds us of the inability of West Kowloon Cultural District Authority to retain vastly overpriced imported personnel.
Had the cultural district been a listed company this merry-go-round of instability would see its shares nosedive as investors flee, yet the authority simply starts another expensive global search for a replacement. Why does it do this?
The investors in this arts hub are the people of Hong Kong and we deserve better than the shenanigans dealt to us thus far. It is an internationally recognised joke. Delays and vast cost overruns show our city as unable to build the world-class infrastructures required, while other cities in China and Asia deliver stunning cultural centres.
The cultural district authority must stop the loss of senior staff and explore fully the filling of these positions with local talent, people who see life in Hong Kong as more than a five-year well-paid posting. I wonder how many Hong Kong communities actually know the names of departed (and departing) senior cultural district personnel, Graham Sheffield, Michael Lynch, Tobias Berger or Nittve; I hazard not many.
The cultural district needs stability that can only come from hiring people committed to their future in Hong Kong as part of the fabric of our city.
It should not simply import another person with scant regard for the community of Hong Kong.
