South China Morning Post
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The M+ museum is slated to open at the end of the year. Photo: K.Y Cheng
Opinion
Editorial
by SCMP Editorial
Editorial
by SCMP Editorial

National security and art can coexist

  • Even on the mainland, there is a certain degree of freedom when it comes to artistic expression, and this is something the authorities in Hong Kong must learn to navigate
SCMP Editorial
SCMP Editorial
Why you can trust SCMP
It goes without saying that the government and public bodies are required to safeguard national security. Recently, concerns have been raised about whether some artworks in public museums would infringe the law enacted last year to ban secession and other national security-related offences. Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor stopped short of naming any items for removal, but said the authorities must handle the matter carefully. The cautious response is to be expected. It is a reminder that there is a difference between artistic expression and political advocacy. But as long as red lines are not crossed, there is no reason why some items cannot be displayed.
The spotlight on the collection at the M+ museum in the West Kowloon Cultural District and the funding by the Arts Development Council for film production followed a series of criticisms from pro-Beijing figures in relation to education, media and other fields. Earlier, some photo exhibitions and screenings of documentaries related to the 2019 social unrest were withdrawn for fear of infringing the national security law.

Artistic expression is unique in that the meaning of such works is open to interpretation. What appears to be provocative to some may seem interesting, informative or inspiring to others. Even on the mainland, there is a certain degree of freedom. And examples of politically and socially sensitive artwork on display abound.

Lam has expressed confidence that the relevant bodies should be able to tell what the red lines are. This suggests adequate room should be given to those in charge to determine what is suitable for public display. When Lam oversaw the arts hub and the M+ museum development in her capacity as chief secretary, she praised the donation from a Swiss collector, who expressed confidence in the city’s freedoms under “one country, two systems”. M+ aspires to be a world-class museum. Any unjustified censorship will not only be a disservice to the arts community, but also undermine confidence in one country, two systems. National security and art are not necessarily in conflict. While the city is expected to steer clear of any red lines, there needs to be room for artistic expression and appreciation.

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