UP CLOSE & PERSONAL – An Interview with Hong Kong Cultural Centre (AAPPAC 30th Anniversary Edition)
Tell us a bit more about Hong Kong Cultural Centre and the role it plays in Hong Kong’s performing arts ecosystem, as well as its contribution to cultural exchange within the region and beyond?
As the first-class cultural landmark of Hong Kong since its inauguration in 1989, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC) has been dedicated to fostering cultural exchange between East and West and promoting the development of arts and culture in Hong Kong. Equipped with professional, high-quality facilities and services, the HKCC has provided an important platform for staging outstanding international artists and magnificent large-scale productions by accepting diverse hiring applications. It serves as an East-meets-West centre connecting top-notch and emerging artists, as well as local and visiting arts groups, to encourage cross-regional collaboration. We also aim to serve as a cradle for nurturing local budding artists and facilitating opportunities for them to showcase their original creations to the world.
Hong Kong Cultural Centre
Could you share some recent projects or initiatives that you feel best reflect Hong Kong Cultural Centre’s vision and aspirations for the future of arts and culture in Hong Kong?
A recent outstanding example is Dance Drama Lady White Snake, the opening programme of the annual Chinese Culture Festival (CCF) 2026, produced by the Shanghai Grand Theatre. Under the artistic direction of renowned international ballet star TAN Yuanyuan, this exquisite dance drama, performed by the Shanghai Opera House Dance Ensemble, unfolded a traditional legend with fused choreography combining ballet, Chinse dance and martial arts. Its enthusiastic response and critical acclaim reinforced HKCC’s position as a prime cultural venue for showcasing modern Chinese cultural gems
As Hong Kong continues to strengthen its position as an international cultural hub and gateway between East and West, how is Hong Kong Cultural Centre engaging with artists, presenters, and partners locally, regionally, and internationally to foster greater cultural connectivity?
HKCC strives to set the stage for performances that connect international artists and foster cultural exchange. The Asia+ Festival this September staged the groundbreaking cross-regional band concert TRI–ART!ON, featuring local musicians Carl WONG and Jun KUNG together with Korean, Mongolian and Thai bands. The chemistry among different cultures from the Belt and Road countries and regions continues to strengthen the backbone of HKCC’s unique character.
We must thank the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra and the Hong Kong Dance Company, our three venue partners, for their relentless contributions. They present first-class performances and activities in a venue-suitable and audience-oriented manner throughout the year. Besides, HKCC also supports and nurtures local artists through strategic appearances and broader exposure. For example, our pipe organ educational concert just brought a refreshing concert with unique yet harmonious blend of the Western pipe organ and suona, a Chinese windwood instrument, to local audiences in September. Leveraging their concert at HKCC, local organist Eric CHAN and suona player Chrysoberyl CHAN will continue to bring their programme “Pipe Organ Through East and West” to the Greater Bay Area and overseas festivals.
“Pipe Organ Through East and West”
As AAPPAC celebrates its 30th Anniversary in 2026, what do you think has been the network’s biggest impact on the performing arts landscape in the Asia-Pacific region?
The Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo, with its opening ceremony and opening showcase to be held at the HKCC, followed by the Annual Conference of AAPPAC 30th this October. We believe these two remarkable events will serve as important milestones in arts development and provide valuable exchange opportunities for performing arts professionals within the Greater Bay Area, the Asia-Pacific region and the wider international community. As a member of AAPPAC, we look forward to concerted efforts to strengthen connections and build rapport within the performing arts industry.
With West Kowloon hosting the AAPPAC Conference this October, what opportunities do you see for strengthening partnerships and collaboration among arts organisations within the Greater Bay Area, the Asia-Pacific region, and the wider international community?
In October 2026, our venue partner, the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, will collaborate with the charismatic tenor Juan Diego Florez and renowned conductor Michele Spotti. Their concert Juan Diego Florez Opera Gala on 22 October will bring an unforgettable experience to the audience. Another musical extravaganza will be presented by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra through its passionate and vibrant Hong Kong Drum Festival 2026 -Majestic Drums on 31 October.
Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra: Juan Diego Flórez Opera Gala
Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra: Hong Kong Drum Festival 2026 -Majestic Drums
Along with our ambitious mission of strengthening Hong Kong’s unique cultural significance as an East-meets-West centre, HKCC has always aspired to offer global and local audiences diverse, innovative and inspirational performing arts experiences. May we wish AAPPAC every success with its forthcoming annual conference in Hong Kong.