Negotiations under way to bring Venetian Biennale to city
The government is holding talks with the organisers of the Venice Biennale to have the world-class arts event held in Hong Kong.
The idea for bringing the show to the city is intended to boost the development of the West Kowloon Cultural District, according to sources close to the government. It would also help establish Hong Kong as a capital of international events and promote cultural diversity.
The arts show could be held in the city in 2009 at the earliest, the sources said, and officials are currently communicating with the organisers in Italy through a third party.
The sources said the government was prepared to spend tens of millions of dollars on the project. Details of the proposal, such as the venue and the type of exhibitions to be held, have not yet been finalised.
Since its foundation in 1895, the Venice Biennale has been one of the most prestigious cultural events in the world and draws participants from around the globe. It promotes the avant garde and has art, architecture, film, dance and music components. The Biennale's 52nd International Art Exhibition is now being held in Venice.
The press office of the Venice Biennale in Italy could not confirm that talks were being held to hold the event in Hong Kong. But its spokesman said the show had not been held outside Venice since the 1930s.
