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Adrian Cheng’s Cultural Vision of Hong Kong

BBG News

Five years ago, Hong Kong wasn’t universally recognized as a hub for global art and culture, but today it stands as such, thanks to political changes, economic transformations, and adjustments in cultural policies. Despite these uncertainties about its artistic future, Adrian Cheng remained steadfast in his belief. Over the past decade, he has meticulously laid the groundwork for Victoria Dockside, one of Hong Kong‘s most recognized landmarks, to become the epicenter of its art and cultural scene.

By combining the skills of more than 100 designers, architects, and artists, such as James Corner, famous for his work on New York’s High Line, Victoria Dockside and its diverse buildings provide a captivating, carefully crafted lifestyle experience. At the core of this new artistic and design hub, K11 MUSEA stands tall as the city’s premier shopping destination. This innovative concept invites people from all backgrounds to appreciate and understand the value and impact that culture and art have on our lives.

By as early as 2014, Cheng had been instrumental in introducing Shanghai K11 Art Mall to China’s first Monet exhibition, a move that significantly popularized the idea of “cultural-retail” experiences among both Chinese and international audiences. Titled “Master of Impressionism: Claude Monet, 2014,” this event showcased 40 original masterpieces, including famous works like Water Lilies and Wisteria from the Paris Marmottan Monet Museum. The aim was to make art more accessible for the general public and foster growth in Chinese contemporary art.

After that, I had the chance to witness some incredible exhibitions as a gamer. For instance, “Savoir-Faire: The Mastery of Craft in Fashion, 2021” was a collaboration with fashion icon Carine Roitfeld that showcased traditional Chinese crafts alongside high-end fashion pieces. In the following year, “METAVISION, 2022”, which was then the world’s largest NFT showcase, displayed over 200 works from more than 30 solo artists and NFT projects. “The Love of Couture: Artisanship in Fashion Beyond Time, 2022” was a collaboration with the V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum) in London and costume designer William Chang Suk Ping, referencing bespoke couture pieces to create avant-garde fashion statements. Lastly, “City As Studio, 2023”, curated by Jeffrey Deitch, marked China’s first major exhibition of graffiti and street art. These exhibitions were truly a feast for the eyes!

Apart from his contributions, Cheng also collaborated with local talents like Michael Lau, known as the “Godfather of Designer Toys” in Hong Kong, Olivier Cong the pianist, graffiti artists Lousy, Bao Ho, Graphic Airlines, architects Betty Ng and Otto Ng. These collaborations significantly influenced the creative landscape in Hong Kong. Each project underscored the significance of continuous conversations between the past and present, East and West, to forge a distinctive cultural boundary that is uniquely attainable in Hong Kong, a city with a rich history as an international crossroads and gateway to Asia.

The Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2024 Fashion Show, which was made possible through Cheng’s friendship with Pharrell Williams, occurred along the Avenue of Stars at Victoria Dockside. This event garnered a combined live stream viewership of 175.7 million viewers across various global platforms. Events like HYPEFEST, organized by Cheng, have become common cultural attractions in Hong Kong.

As a gamer, stepping into tomorrow, am I, Hong Kong, prepared to take on the task of becoming a major hub for art and culture? The unveiling of Kai Tak Sports Park brings forth possibilities for grand cultural events, but can I keep pace with the vibrant scenes of Seoul, Bangkok, Singapore, and even Tokyo? The challenge is set, and it’s time to show what I’ve got!

In essence, the idea of “cultural-retail” has deeply permeated the daily lives of Hong Kong residents. Innovative properties like Airside and The Henderson draw inspiration from this, envisioning a Hong Kong that cherishes art and cultural events. Yet, one might wonder, will there be many who seek these experiences personally? Are such events easily accessible to the local populace? Is it an issue of a scarcity of a cultural audience or just a lack of guidance in shaping and presenting these experiences? Is it more about fostering interest in culture, or finding the right person to spearhead this endeavor?

Regularly, Hong Kong hosts performances, exhibitions, and cultural events featuring arts. However, these events often cater to tourists or those who are already familiar with the scene. There may be an unexplored opportunity in engaging our local community more, aligning with Cheng’s long-term goal of making art accessible for all. Overlooking the broader public’s participation in this vision would not reflect true democratization of art.

Over the past ten years, Cheng’s ambition to make art accessible for all, nurture talent, and inspire future creators to push boundaries in innovation has significantly influenced the cultural landscape of Hong Kong. This has led to a demand for engaging, inclusive, and evolving artistic events that truly represent the city. These activities not only highlight the city’s offerings on a global scale, but also surpass the previous perception of it as just a small fishing village, now recognized as the gateway to Asia.

It’s clear that residents of Hong Kong have a strong appetite for cultural experiences, as evidenced by the sold-out events at Kai Tak, such as Coldplay, Jay Chou, and the Rugby Sevens, as well as record attendance at cultural events like Art Basel. The completion of the West Kowloon Cultural District and the Kai Tak Sports Park has equipped Hong Kong with infrastructure capable of hosting larger-scale and more frequent events. However, one may wonder, how many of these events can be considered “Homegrown in Hong Kong”? In other words, is it sufficient to merely invite local talents and organizations to host their events within our city?

To establish Hong Kong as one of the world’s premier cultural centers, it’s essential to strengthen our cultural identity and involve local residents in this process. With more Hong Kongers embracing culture due to Cheng’s democratization and promotion of arts and culture, now is the perfect moment for the city and its people to enrich and showcase a distinctly Hong Kong identity on a global scale.

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2025-05-07 06:26

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