[Sponsored Article] To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover back to China, Central Market is hosting a series of art and cultural activities, including a nostalgic miniature exhibition and the French May Arts Festival, connecting one to another through collective memories. More than a property developer, Chinachem Group distinguishes itself as a responsible corporate citizen by making Hong Kong a better place to live, work and raise its generations. The group is taking this responsibility very seriously by promoting inclusivity and diversity with cultural and art activities designed to entertain, educate and engage the wider community. Since its reopening to the public in 2021, Central Market, a revitalisation project of the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) now operated by Chinachem Group, has been injected a new lease of life with a blend of old-world charm and modernity. It has become an iconic landmark that brings collective memories to everyone. To bring families together for a memorable moment that has shaped our city's history for so long, a miniature exhibition called 'An Art Journey into the Past and Present Urban Reinvention · Advance Beyond 25' is now being staged in Central Market. A hundred pieces of miniature artworks mimicking the old and modern Hong Kong scenes are currently on display. The colourful skyline of Hong Kong is brought to life through the centrepiece 'Victoria Harbour'. In the setup, Hong Kong's most iconic buildings stand against a backdrop filled with fireworks and mesmerising night views projected by computer animations. Another highlight is 'Central Market' in miniature, which features the classic staircase with figurines inspired by the masterpieces of photographer Fan Ho (1931–2016). Ho's work is an intimate reflection of the last generation of Hong Kong people in the 1950s and 1960s. Though he captured crowds of people walking up and down the Central Market staircase, his pictures show individuals in the context of their daily lives. The miniature pinwheels, all handmade and shown as part of the 'Pinwheels stall of Wong Tai Sin Temple', are equally impressive, showing exquisite workmanship and care. The lively atmosphere of the Dragon Boat Festival is brought vividly to life with the 'Sha Tin Dragon Boat Race'. Other exquisite miniature works on display include the 'Lee Tung Avenue', which presents Hong Kong's famous East-meets-West vibe and the 'China Café', where many classic Hong Kong movies were filmed. This miniature art exhibition demonstrates the URA and Chinachem Group’s shared vision of creating a smart and liveable city by adopting cutting-edge technologies to build modern communities while preserving local culture. It is also the first public event organised by both organisations to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The exhibition runs through July 16. Running alongside 'An Art Journey into the Past and Present Urban Reinvention · Advance Beyond 25' are the digital artwork of French artist and dancer Ophelia Jacarini, 'Interverse' and French GourMay, the one and only major festival in town dedicated to gastronomy à la française. Both events are among the 80 French May Arts Festival programmes being held across Hong Kong over a span of two months. The French Consul General to Hong Kong and Macau, Alexandre Giorgini, said at the opening ceremony of French May in Central Market that he is impressed by the transformation of Central Market over these two years. As a longstanding French art and cultural festival since 1993, Giorgini hopes that French May will continue to promote cultural exchanges between China and France, including arts and cuisines Hongkongers are both equally excited about. "French May gives us a great reason to get together and share our love of the French culture. It also brings out the treasure that our friendship with France has inherited over the years," said Pansy Ho, co-chairman of the board of French May. "This also shows that Hong Kong remains a wonderful world-class city that appeals to international artists and businesses." 'Intraverse' was formed by capturing Jacarini's dance moves along the Central Market staircase and is visualised in a virtual format. "This piece of art is meant to pay homage to the legendary photographer Fan Ho," said Jacarini. The artwork is now on display on the Interactive Wall in Central Market until June 30. "Chinachem has long been a keen supporter of art and social events, local or international. We believe that art summons spirits, intertwining with each other to create a community of creativity and soul," said Donald Choi, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Chinachem Group. "That's why we're partnering with different organisations to provide the public with an exciting series of celebratory programmes. It's a testament to our social-cultural development that the city is celebrating diversity." Last year, Chinachem organised free tram tours for disadvantaged community members to learn about Hong Kong’s history. The group also funded the establishment of the Lai Chi Wo Story Room , where visitors can experience the colourful culture of Hakka villages.