Hong Kong chief executive outlines arts plan at National Day reception
At a National Day reception, Hong Kong's chief executive detailed government plans to boost the city's arts and culture sector, including funding, venue development, and talent initiatives, aligning with national and local strategies.
Hong Kong's chief executive attended a reception on 12 October 2026 hosted by the city's cultural and arts sector to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. In a speech delivered in Cantonese, the leader highlighted the nation's progress in cultural development and outlined Hong Kong's role in supporting China's cultural ambitions.
The chief executive noted that the national 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly supports Hong Kong in deepening its role as a hub for Sino-foreign cultural and artistic exchanges. The city, with its unique blend of Chinese and Western influences and its advantages under "one country, two systems", has long served as a bridge between China and the world. Last month, the government released Hong Kong's first five-year plan, setting medium- and long-term strategies for developing the city into such a hub, and the latest Policy Address outlined annual priorities.
Under the city's first five-year plan, the government aims to grow the value added of the cultural and creative industries to HK$170 billion by 2030, and increase employment in the sector to 228,000 people. To support this, the Policy Address focuses on nurturing local talent and attracting professionals from overseas, including backing the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts in building a second campus in the Northern Metropolis and supporting the West Kowloon Cultural District Academy in offering short-term professional courses.
The government will also reform its funding system for arts groups. It will inject HK$200 million into the arts section of the Art and Sport Development Fund and introduce funding mechanisms linked to performance and artistic standards, encouraging innovation among major groups and allowing outstanding mid-sized groups to become major ones.
On infrastructure, the chief executive highlighted the West Kowloon Cultural District as a key strategic investment, noting it has partnered with top cultural institutions globally and brought exhibitions and performances to the mainland and overseas. When the West Kowloon Performing Arts Centre opens next year, it will add four venues built to international standards, including the city's first dedicated dance space, the chief executive said.
The chief executive concluded by expressing hope that the arts community would continue to use creativity to carry forward Chinese culture and connect with world civilisations, promising government support in talent development, industrialisation, and facilities to build the Sino-foreign cultural and artistic exchange hub.