Chicago sees Hong Kong at close range
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Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York Monica Chen announces the launch of the Hong Kong Comes to Chicago 2009 Festival at an April 30 news conference in Chicago. |
The Windy City has laid out the welcoming mat to representatives from Hong Kong in their monthlong celebration of the territory’s unique culture, creativity and economic vitality.
On April 30, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY) launched the Hong Kong Comes to Chicago 2009 Festival, held during May in conjunction with the city’s Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month.
“Hong Kong Comes to Chicago 2009 will lead the Chicago community to experience the diverse culture of Hong Kong, which is a legacy of its colorful past and the vitality of its present,” said Monica Chen, HKETONY director.
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Ms. Chen (fourth from left) attends a news conference launching the Hong Kong Comes to Chicago 2009 Festival. The event was held in conjunction with Chicago’s monthlong celebration of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month. |
“In a showcase of their talents, and through art exhibits, films, music performances, educational symposiums and gallery talks, the festival will offer an opportunity for Chicagoans to learn about the evolving ‘modern heritage’ of our continuously vibrant and transformative city,” said Ms. Chen.
The festival is bringing together internationally acclaimed artists through a series of events, including:
- Film screenings from Hong Kong’s next generation of filmmakers
- Networking event highlighting Hong Kong’s position as a gateway to China
- Photo exhibition featuring the five attributes of present-day Hong Kong: Cosmopolitan, Connected, Enterprising, Innovative, A Leader
- Contemporary music concert featuring Hong Kong and U.S. composers
- A dim sum and wine pairing event to showcase Hong Kong as a wine-distribution and gourmet center
- Luncheon about Hong Kong's cultural developments and collaborations with southern China provinces
- Gallery talks about Chinese art by highly acclaimed professors
- A multimedia exhibition showcasing Hong Kong through the eyes of students from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism
Ms. Chen said she is proud to bring the best of Asia’s world city to the Windy City, as both offer an explosion of cultural activity, stunning architecture and vibrant ethnic neighborhoods.
She noted that in this period of global challenges, Hong Kong is both bolstering its economy and turning its attention to opening new frontiers. In addition, Hong Kong is enriching its art and cultural scenes and further fostering the city’s creative industries. With the complete removal of wine duties, Hong Kong is developing into the wine trading hub of Asia.
In addition to HKETONY’s backing, the festival also is supported in part by the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.
The events are being held in partnership with the Chicago Commission on Human Relations Advisory Council on Asian Affairs, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, Fulcrum Point New Music Project, the Gene Siskel Film Center and Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism.
More information about the events can be found on the
Web site: [www.hongkongcomestochicago.com].
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