Francis Neoton Cheung

Opinion | Make sure Taylor Swift doesn’t skip Hong Kong again

Hosting large-scale international events is a powerful statement that Hong Kong is back as a global player after three years of pandemic isolation

Now that the city is reclaiming its place on the world stage, the government and business sector must cooperate to form long-term strategies and lift the city’s allure

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Taylor Swift performs at the Monumental stadium during her Eras Tour concert in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Novemner 9. Photo: AP

Francis Neoton Cheung

Published: 9:30am, 9 Dec 2023Updated: 10:25am, 9 Dec 2023

Last week, the Avenue of Stars – Hong Kong’s answer to the Hollywood Walk of Fame – transformed into a playful runway as luxury brand Louis Vuitton launched its pre-fall menswear line against one of the world’s most iconic skylines. The dramatic choice of location not only signalled the importance of the Hong Kong and Asian markets to the fashion house but also reaffirmed the city’s standing as an international arts and culture hub.

The stunning catwalk was the latest in a string of high-profile cultural and business events that took place in the city in recent weeks. The popular Clockenflap music festival returned to its regular winter slot at the Central Harbourfront over the weekend. This followed the Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit and Hong Kong FinTech Week in November. We have also seen trade events such as the Christie’s Hong Kong auction and the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show.

The hosting of large-scale international events is a powerful statement that Hong Kong is back as an international player after three years of pandemic isolation. It also provides an opportunity to think ambitiously about Hong Kong’s long-term cultural aspirations.

In the 2022 policy address, the government launched a Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund as it sought to bring major events back and re-establish Hong Kong as the region’s premier travel destination.

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The fund has since supported a range of popular arts and culture events such as Art Basel Hong Kong, Freespace Jazz Fest at the West Kowloon Cultural District and the “Botticelli to Van Gogh: Masterpieces from the National Gallery, London” exhibition at the Palace Museum.

To consolidate Hong Kong’s status as a premier events capital, investment and strategic planning are crucial. This vision extends beyond the current government’s term, requiring collaboration between officials and cultural leaders to formulate a comprehensive long-term strategy that not only focuses on staging mega events but also provides development opportunities for the arts, culture and creative sectors.