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Hong Kong International Airport’s vibrant Arts and Culture Festival showcases local talents, immersive installations, and live performances, transforming the airport into a cultural hotspot for residents and tourists alike
Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA)’s Arts and Culture Festival 2024, which spans three months from July to October, features art exhibits and installations by the city’s greatest artists and is drawing crowds of local and international art lovers. It’s just that thing that further enlivens the already bustling international travel hub.
The festival, organised by HKIA, is the culmination of a collaboration between the airport and some of the city’s great art institutions, famous and up-and-coming local artists, and government arts bodies.
The event allows residents and tourists to experience the creative energy that makes Hong Kong such a vital international modern arts hub and to delve into the city’s craft traditions that draw visitors from around the world.
“Art in Motion” video collection (Photo: courtesy of Hong Kong International Airport)
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In Arrivals Hall B, a Hong Kong Artisan Avenue has sprung up, where travellers can learn about traditional crafts through interviews with local artisans and displays of actual handicrafts. From culinary gems like bamboo steamers, milk tea and dim sum to the mesmerising LED flower board, intricately carved mahjong tiles and the iconic “Lee Hon Kong Kai” calligraphy adorning Hong Kong signboards, visitors can feel themselves getting immersed into the city’s unique charm and heritage. Aside from ample photo opportunities, people can also make their own postcards using stamps made with the “Lee Hon Kong Kai” font and take home free luggage stickers designed by local illustrator Don Mak.
Meanwhile, on the ramp connecting the arrivals halls with the Ground Transportation Centre, the Traversing Past and Present exhibition transports visitors to the iconic “fabric streets” of Sham Shui Po using cutting-edge technology, in an installation by contemporary artist Cherie Cheuk and designer Jack Lau. Visitors can also dive into the virtual world and create their own animation by mixing and matching the different paintings, colours and patterns on display.
This year’s festival also celebrates Hong Kong’s natural beauty with Picturesque Hong Kong: Kong Kai-ming Art Collection—more than 20 watercolour paintings from renowned local artist Kong Kai-ming of the city’s breathtaking scenery on display in the Departures Hall.
Embark on a visual journey of Art in Motion in Arrivals Hall A. Using moving images and animation, a collection of four videos highlights the different facets that make Hong Kong such a special place to visit and live in.
The HKIA Arts and Culture Festival 2024 is on now and will run until October 31.