LettersHong Kong is building the cultural ‘hardware’, but what about the creative ‘software’?

City is good at pouring concrete but has no vision or long-term policy for cultural development

Government departments should enable artists and other talents to feature their work in public spaces

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A large wall mural greets commuters walking in an MRT station linking to Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. Photo: Roy Issa

Published: 5:20pm, 28 Apr 2019Updated: 5:20pm, 28 Apr 2019

I could not agree more with your correspondent Charlie Toller about the commercial and tourist-centric approach of the Hong Kong government in developing cultural facilities. The West Kowloon Cultural District is the latest project to demonstrate a lack of understanding of what it takes to encourage people, local or otherwise, to experience culture and participate in the cultural activities we have in Hong Kong.

The government should know very well that physical infrastructure only provides the “hardware” for cultural events, exhibitions and so on. To promote and enhance a city’s cultural aura requires the government to have a vision, a holistic approach and a long-term policy on cultural development.

For example, Singapore, which lacks any stunning natural landscape, can craft its own unique cityscape: the Marina Bay area speaks for itself; large-scale art installations can be found in public spaces near MRT stations; some cultural facilities offer discounts to senior citizens.

In Paris, sculptures and artworks can easily be found in public spaces, whether permanent or temporary, such as at the Jardin des Tuileries and other parks. The general public who take a walk in the park have ample opportunities to appreciate and discuss art as and where they see it.

London’s Covent Garden is well-known, among other things, for its busking activities that also attract many tourists. It was, however, not engineered by the city council. London’s West End “Theatreland” has many venues with plays, musicals and shows being staged all the time.