Art attack: Hong Kong property developers make arts and culture more accessible for all

An encouraging number of Hong Kong’s developers have been making concerted efforts over the years to support and commission the work of local artists and designers.

These initiatives take various forms. In some cases, they entail setting aside dedicated space to host rotating exhibitions and workshops. In others, the focus is more on giving something special to a new development, its public areas and immediate surroundings, by using artworks, sculpture, installations and bold murals to create a distinctive ambience and add an eye-catching extra dimension. “We see the infusion of arts and culture as an integral part of the process of creating and transforming places into vibrant, sustainable communities,” says a spokesperson for Swire Properties, which puts that philosophy on display in developments such as Quarry Bay’s Taikoo Place.

“We believe that arts should be accessible in people’s daily life and, in line with this vision, have a long history of hosting cultural events and showcasing public art across our property portfolio.”

One good example is the ArtisTree space, which opened in 2008 and recently relocated to Cambridge House. Its stated purpose is to champion new ideas and create innovative ways for the public to engage with art, architecture and design. The programmes staged there have included music and dance performances, as well as art exhibitions and fashion retrospectives.

“The intention is to accommodate the entire cultural spectrum, thereby acting as a platform for emerging Hong Kong artists and introducing the public to a diverse range of world-class programmes, which are both thought-provoking and unique,” the spokesperson says. “But we are not just doing this in Hong Kong; the philosophy also extends to our projects in mainland China.”

For instance, the Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li Chengdu development now features more than 20 contemporary pieces commissioned from local and international artists. And, in the capital, the Taikoo Li Sanlitun retail complex is the venue for certain performances organised as part of the Beijing Music Festival.