Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang (second from right) joins a group of gallery operators in Central at a tea gathering to solicit their views on the police quarters project and how Hong Kong can become a better place for the development of art and creative industries.

On November 25, Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang visited the former Police Married Quarters on Hollywood Road in Central, Hong Kong, and the art galleries in the vicinity to see the development of the area as a base for art and creative industries.

In his 2009-10 Policy Address, the Chief Executive announced a plan to revitalize the two former police quarter blocks for operating creative industries.

Touring the quarters where he spent part of his childhood, Mr. Tsang was briefed by officials of the Development Bureau and Create Hong Kong on the progress of the project, which forms part of the “Conserving Central” initiatives.

He noted that the two bureaus would soon invite interested organizations and enterprises to submit proposals to convert the site into a creative landmark, providing facilities such as exhibition galleries, studios, and office and shop space for advertising, design, arts and culture, video production, music, digital entertainment, education and training centers, as well as lodging for visiting artists.
Mr. Tsang said he was very pleased to see that a 12-day government-sponsored design activity “DETOUR 2009” will take place at the quarters’ site starting November 27.

DETOUR will cover some 40 activities aiming to arouse public interest in design. The program will also encourage cross-disciplinary and cross-border dialogue between local and overseas design professionals, as well as promote creativity among local youth.  

“The fact that a large-scale design event like DETOUR has picked the quarters as the venue is a testament to the suitability of the site for operating creative industries,” the Chief Executive said.

Mr. Tsang also toured a number of art galleries on Old Bailey Street, Chancery Lane and Shin Hing Street. Accompanied by the Under Secretary for Home Affairs Florence Hui, he met the gallery operators to learn more about their business. 

“Though the operators are of different nationalities, they have one thing in common. I am deeply impressed by their zest in promoting the arts and culture in Hong Kong, and their commitment to nurturing emerging artists.

“I can also feel the rich artistic atmosphere and vibrancy of this area which houses more than 30 contemporary art galleries and antique shops. I believe that with the police quarters project on Hollywood Road, we can attract more galleries, design firms or creative establishments to cluster, making Central a desirable base for developing art and creative industries,” Mr. Tsang said.

Before concluding the visit, Mr. Tsang joined a group of area gallery operators at a tea gathering to solicit their views on the police quarters project and to discuss how Hong Kong can become a better place for the development of art and creative industries.

“I am most grateful for their support for the Hollywood Road project. They have given us valuable advice on how best we can put it into practice and how it can best serve the needs of the art community,” the Chief Executive said.

Noting that Hong Kong has become the world’s third largest art market after New York and London in terms of art trading, Mr. Tsang reassured the operators that the Government would spare no effort in enhancing Hong Kong’s competitive edge in the development of creative industries.

“Apart from training talent and developing local markets, we will continue to strengthen education, support start-up companies, expand overseas and Mainland markets, and help organize mega events to promote Hong Kong as the creative capital in Asia,” Mr. Tsang said.