Pompidou Centre in Hong Kong

It has been revealed that the government has held talk with the Pompidou Centre for the possibility for it to participate in the West Kowloon Cultural District. Although the exact susbtance of what is to be included in the West Kowloon Cultural District are yet to be determined, it is hoping that the discussion with the Pompidou Centre would provide a possible direction of ‘cultural partnering’, for the cities of Hong Kong and Paris. This could be a possible way for the future development of cultures and arts in Hong Kong.

Arts and cultural development often receive only lukewarm responses from the general public and Hong Kong also lacks appropriate talents in the field to guide the city through. It is important that when pondering the possibility of creating a large district devoting to arts and cultures, experiences from appropriate bodies must be sought. As the main arts complex in Paris, the Pompidou Centre involvement could have many advantages in guiding the city through.

I think the most important sharing is how to achieve financial sustainability of such a complex. This is the major issue affecting the direction for the development of the West Kowloon Cultural District and one that has led to the previous highly criticised ’single developer model’ to be scraped, due to the uncertainties involved in the financial aspect. Furthermore, the experience in the education of the general public to raise their cultural awareness and the right approach in promoting arts and culture are important issues. It might be possible to gain valuable insights from the Pompidou Centre. However, it must be remembered that the local arts group must also be engaged in the dialogue as they are equiped with the necessaryunderstanding of the local needs and endless enthuasisms in the field than the government, who is only capable of a coordinator role.

It will be of great asset to the city, if Hong Kong is to have a branch of Pompidou Centre complex. It will draw in interest from nearby cities for critical cultural exchange. This will be important for the advancement of Hong Kong in the 21st century.