Hong Kong must boost global image in arts and culture, tap into Chinese heritage instead of local focus: state officials
- Liaison office deputy director Lu Xinning warns city not to turn ‘historic strengths and opportunity into historic burdens and regret’ by losing creative edge
- Focus on cultural industry at forum marks latest round of directive from Beijing, after advice covering issues ranging from politics to education and housing
Senior Beijing officials have urged Hong Kong to improve its international image on the arts and culture front, tapping into China’s larger heritage rather than being limited by a local focus, to keep up with rivals such as South Korea.
At a forum on Wednesday, they stressed Beijing’s expectations for the city to strengthen its creative industries in the latest round of direct advice that has previously covered core issues ranging from politics to education and housing.
Lu Xinning, a deputy director from the central government’s liaison office in Hong Kong, urged city authorities to guide artists in finding inspiration, instead of allowing them to champion localism.
Zhang Xu, a deputy minister of culture and tourism, also said Hong Kong arts institutions and workers needed to make good use of Beijing’s recent decision to grant them greater access to national funding.
