Hong Kong Palace Museum launches third edition of “Bi-City Youth Cultural Leadership Programme”

Guests of honour included Dr Louis Ng, Museum Director of the HKPM and Tim Blackburn, Chief Executive of Swire Properties. Renowned Hong Kong singer and artist Ivana Wong hosted a special masterclass session, and shared with the students her creative journey as a singer-songwriter, theatre and movie actress, and curator of artistic exhibitions, and, more importantly, her passion for committing herself to the arts and cultural industry.

With Swire Properties as lead sponsor, the Programme is supported by the Palace Museum and the Office of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China in Beijing (Beijing Office).

The theme of the 2024 version is “The Future of Cultural Ecosystems”, which aims to explore the evolving landscape of the cultural and creative industries. Participants will delve into topics such as the creative economy, cultural heritage and innovation through masterclasses and exchange sessions in Hong Kong, Beijing, in addition to Chengdu, a newly added study destination this year.

Dr Louis Ng, Museum Director of the HKPM, said, “In the digital age, technology is becoming increasingly intertwined with arts and culture and is having a profound impact on the way the industry is evolving. As a relatively young museum, the HKPM has proactively embraced emerging technologies and incorporated digital elements into areas such as exhibition curation and design and promotion and merchandising, with the aim of elevating the visitor experience. This year’s ‘Bi-city Youth Cultural Leadership Programme’ focuses on the development of the cultural and creative industries. By broadening the students’ horizons and providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the evolving landscape and opportunities in the cultural sector, we aim to cultivate the next generation of visionary leaders and promote the dissemination of Chinese art and heritage."

Tim Blackburn, Chief Executive of Swire Properties, said, “We’re excited to be fostering the next generation of ‘Cultural Entrepreneurs’ by offering thought-provoking exchanges and cultural experiences through the expanded ‘Bi-city Youth Cultural Leadership Programme’. This year, students can explore our iconic development Taikoo Li Chengdu, to learn about the relationship between history, heritage preservation, arts and culture, and to experience our placemaking achievements. This initiative continues to offer students fantastic exposure and a valuable opportunity to broaden their horizons. We look forward to witnessing their growth to become future cultural leaders, bringing new energy to the arts and culture sector in Hong Kong, Beijing, Chengdu and beyond.”

Ivana Wong, said, “Although I indulge myself into different forms of art like music, film and theatre, the core of expression is the same. Art in whole is a unique form of language that is immensely powerful. I believe that the Art & Culture industry contains multitudes of potential. It would be phenomenal to have a platform where young people can fully express their craftsmanship and one day see local artists shine on the world stage. I encourage the younger generation in our society to not stop creating and keep exposing themselves to their passion.”

This year’s Programme kicked off in July with 16 outstanding university students from Beijing and Hong Kong selected to participate. Most of the participants are currently studying arts and culture-related subjects, while others come from a broad range of disciplines such as architecture, finance and the social sciences. These students all attend leading educational institutions in Hong Kong and Beijing.

The Programme aims to broaden students’ horizons and equip them to becoming the next generation of “cultural entrepreneurs”. Participants are immersed in a series of creative workshops, masterclasses and internships in arts and cultural institutions or private enterprises to guide them as they explore the industry’s evolving landscape in China and around the world. In addition, students will gain insights into the endless possibilities of cultural innovation, and gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges presented by the cultural ecosystem.

In addition to Hong Kong and Beijing, site visits have been extended to include Chengdu this year. One of the most significant cities in Chinese civilisation, Chengdu boasts an abundance of historical relics and cultural heritage resources. Recent major archaeological discoveries at the Jinsha and Sanxingdui sites have attracted international attention, highlighting their huge potential for the cultural and creative industries. The students will visit the new Sanxingdui Museum which opened last year and engage in exchanges with experts.

They will also explore Taikoo Li Chengdu, an urban regeneration project undertaken by Swire Properties, which was built around and helps to preserve the ancient and historically significant Daci Temple. During the visit, students will learn more about how arts, culture and historical components are creatively blended into a commercial development’s architectural designs and art and culture programmes.

In mid-August, as the final stop on their cultural exchange journey, the students will travel to Beijing to visit major cultural landmarks such as the Palace Museum, and carry out in-depth discussions with Dr Wang Xudong, Director of the Palace Museum, on topics such as the development of the cultural and creative industries, and the promotion and inheritance of Chinese culture by the Palace Museum and the HKPM.

The “Bi-city Youth Cultural Leadership Programme” is a cultural exchange platform to inspire the creativity and understanding of youth in Beijing and Hong Kong with the goal of inspiring and nurturing the next generation of cultural talent. Designed by Programme partner Ednovators, nearly 130 university students from Beijing and Hong Kong have joined and participated in a series of cultural exchanges and learning activities since the Programme was launched in November 2022.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Hong Kong Palace Museum
The Hong Kong Palace Museum aspires to become a leading institution on the study and appreciation of Chinese art and culture while advancing dialogue between world civilisations. The Hong Kong Palace Museum is a collaborative project between the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and the Palace Museum and is funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust with a donation of HK$3.5 billion for its establishment, as well as some of the annual exhibitions and education programmes in 2023–2031.

Embracing new curatorial approaches, the Museum combines a Hong Kong perspective with a global vision to present precious artefacts from the Palace Museum and other important cultural institutions around the world. Through research, exhibitions, and educational and professional exchange programmes, the Museum aims to build international partnerships and position Hong Kong as a global hub for art and culture. At heart a resource that belongs to the local community, the Museum strives to inspire community engagement, foster dialogue, and promote creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration.
https://www.hkpm.org.hk/

Facebook: @hongkongpalacemuseum
Instagram: @hongkongpalacemuseum
LinkedIn: @Hong Kong Palace Museum
微信：香港故宫文化博物馆

小紅書：香港故宫文化博物馆

 

About the West Kowloon Cultural District (WestK)
WestK is one of the largest and most ambitious cultural projects in the world. Its vision is to create a vibrant new cultural quarter for Hong Kong on 40 hectares of reclaimed land located alongside Victoria Harbour. With a varied mix of theatres, performance spaces, and museums, WestK will produce and host world-class exhibitions, performances, and cultural events, providing 23 hectares of public open space, including a two-kilometre waterfront promenade.
https://www.westk.hk

About Swire Properties
Swire Properties develops and manages commercial, retail, hotel, and residential properties, with a particular focus on mixed-use developments in prime locations at major mass transportation intersections. Swire Properties is listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong and its investment portfolio in Hong Kong comprises Taikoo Place, Pacific Place, Cityplaza, Citygate Outlets. The Company’s completed portfolio in Hong Kong comprises approximately 16.5 million sq ft (approximately 1.54 million sqm) of space.

In the Chinese Mainland, Swire Properties has six completed mixed-use developments in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu. They include Taikoo Li Sanlitun and INDIGO in Beijing, HKRI Taikoo Hui and Taikoo Li Qiantan in Shanghai, Taikoo Hui Guangzhou and Taikoo Li Chengdu. INDIGO Phase Two in Beijing, Taikoo Li Xi'an, two new, mixed-use projects in Shanghai and a new retail project in Sanya are currently under development. The Company’s completed portfolio in the Chinese Mainland comprises approximately 14.1 million sq ft (approximately 1.31 million sqm) of space.

In addition to Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, the Company has a presence in the United States, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore and Thailand.

Visit Swire Properties' website at www.swireproperties.com