Cultural Policy in Hong Kong
As a regional hub, Hong Kong provides a cultural bridge between east and west
Cultural policy
The Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau are responsible for cultural policy in Hong Kong, with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) serving as its executive arm for program delivery, including in museums, libraries, and performance spaces. The Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC) also plays a major role as a statutory body for the development of arts in Hong Kong.
The Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development, outlines a strategy to transform the city into an ‘east-meets-west centre for international cultural exchange’ and was published in 2024. The Hong Kong government established a new Culture Commission in 2023. The Culture Commission is responsible for advising the Government on matters including formulating the Blueprint, strategies for promoting the development of the arts, culture and creative industries, encouraging the participation of the private market and supporting cultural exchange.
Cultural programmes
The Blueprint sets out the following ‘strategic directions’:
- Promote Profound Traditional Chinese Culture and Develop Cultural Contents with Hong Kong Character
- Develop Diverse Arts and Culture Industries with International Perspective
- Establish International Platforms to Foster East-meets-West Arts and Cultural Exchange
- Enhance the Ecosystem for the Arts, Culture and Creative Industries
The extent of Hong Kong’s cultural ambitions is evident in the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD), a 40 hectare strategic investment by the Hong Kong Government aimed at creating a vibrant arts and cultural hub. This initiative provides world-class venues for presenting the highest quality arts and cultural programs, promotes artistic excellence, nurtures talent and audiences, and fosters an environment of artistic growth. Following the opening of two new performing arts venues in 2019, the Xiqu Centre and Freespace, the Art Park, a highly anticipated urban oasis for public enjoyment, fully opened in 2020. M+, Asia’s inaugural global museum of contemporary visual culture, also commenced operations in November 2021.
Cultural heritage and infrastructure
Today, Hong Kong stands as one of the most densely populated cities globally, with over 7.5 million inhabitants, over 90% of whom are of Chinese descent. Despite a low birth rate, its population is on the rise, mainly due to immigration from mainland China, accounting for around 12% of Hong Kong residents. Additionally, there are significant communities of Indonesian and Filipino migrant workers.
The Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) opened its doors in July 2022, helping to make West Kowloon Cultural District an internationally recognised leading arts and cultural district. The three-year Design District Hong Kong program (#ddHK’s) launched in 2018 with an aim to infuse culture beyond institutions into the ordinary spaces of the city, creating programs that support local people, businesses, and new forms of design-based tourism.
Hong Kong has also emerged as one of the world’s art trading hubs, with imports and exports of works of art, collector’s pieces, and antiques amounting to $33.6 billion in 2020, doubling the 2017 figure. Top-tier international art galleries and auction houses have expanded their presence in Hong Kong in recent years, solidifying the city’s position as Asia’s premier art trading centre. However, the government also recognises the significance of arts and culture in building an inclusive and cohesive society, fostering enjoyment and a sense of belonging among citizens.
Community engagement, social impact and policy innovation
Looking ahead, “Hong Kong 2030+: Towards a Planning Vision and Strategy Transcending 2030” outlines strategies for optimal infrastructure and land utilisation in an already densely built city. Its vision is to enhance liveability, develop inclusive design in the public realm and public facilities, and promote Victoria Harbour and its surroundings as Hong Kong’s foremost natural and cultural asset. The overarching aim is to safeguard the city’s unique culture, preserve its past, and simultaneously evolve into a liveable, competitive, and sustainable ‘Asia’s World City.’
The government views both the commercial and creative aspects of the cultural sector as pivotal for the city’s long-term success. Among the city’s priorities are developing world-class cultural facilities and strengthening international and mainland connections between arts organisations.
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