Hong Kong mini arts hub Cheung Chau is an island abuzz with creativity
Community of artists working in a variety of mediums a mix of islanders and incomers. They came together for a recent three-day festival
Cheung Chau, an island that’s home to more than 23,000 people, is a colourful part of Hong Kong. Once a thriving fishing community, it has had its brushes with smuggling and piracy. It is famous for its annual four-day bun festival, held in honour of Pak Tai, a Taoist deity who, it is believed, helped rid the island of pirates in the 18th century.
Today it attracts foreign tourists and weekenders alike looking for a city escape, whether to be at one with nature on a hike or to enjoy fishballs and a mango mochi.
The island is also home to a growing band of artists, including poets, musicians and writers. During this month’s three-day Cheung Chau Wave festival, they were out in force, joining artists from elsewhere in Hong Kong and from overseas to exhibit art all over the island.
How one Hong Kong arts festival is putting a little island on the big stage – all thanks to the community
On the festival’s final day, event co-organisers Christina Jensen, a resident of six years, and Rika Kojima wander through the bustling narrow streets, the crowds dispersing only to make way for the “village vehicles” – an affectionate name for the miniature fire truck, police car and ambulance that would look more at home at a toytown amusement park.
Jensen, who works at the Blue Lotus Gallery in Chai Wan, at the eastern end of Hong Kong Island, and Kojima are staging a meet-and-greet with members of the island’s creative community, and it soon becomes obvious that there is more to the art of Cheung Chau than meets the eye.
Yeung Cheung-ming is the perfect example.
Yeung Cheung-ming