Create Hong Kong

Create Hong Kong
Name	Create Hong Kong
Native name	創意香港
Formation	2009
Headquarters	Admiralty, Hong Kong
Region served	Hong Kong
Leader title	Chief Executive
Parent organization	Government of Hong Kong

Create Hong Kong is an arts and cultural development agency established to promote and support creative industries in Hong Kong. It was formed to coordinate policy, funding, and international promotion for sectors including film, design, advertising, and performing arts. The agency works with statutory bodies, cultural institutions, and private-sector partners to foster cultural tourism and creative entrepreneurship.

History

The agency originated amid policy discussions involving the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and advisers who had interacted with entities such as the Harbourfront Commission (Hong Kong) and the Hong Kong Arts Development Council. Its creation followed recommendations from consultation with figures linked to the Home Affairs Bureau (Hong Kong) and stakeholders from the Hong Kong Film Development Council, Hong Kong Design Centre, and representatives from the International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies. Early initiatives referenced models from the British Council, Canada Council for the Arts, and Australia Council for the Arts. The launch coincided with broader cultural projects including collaborations with the West Kowloon Cultural District and programming at venues like the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and AsiaWorld-Expo.

During its formative years, the agency engaged with missions to cities including London, Berlin, Seoul, and New York City to benchmark policies alongside organizations such as the British Film Institute, National Endowment for the Arts, and Japan Foundation. Legislative scrutiny by members of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong and reviews from panels linked to the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council shaped early budget allocations. Partnerships with festivals like the Hong Kong International Film Festival and institutions such as the M+ Museum helped broaden public visibility.

Governance and Organization

The agency is overseen by officials appointed within the framework of the Government of Hong Kong, with operational leadership interacting with bodies including the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau and statutory boards such as the Hong Kong Arts Development Council. Its governance comprises advisory panels composed of representatives from the Hong Kong Design Centre, Hong Kong Film Development Council, Create Hong Kong Enterprise Subsidy Scheme stakeholders, and private-sector leaders from corporations like Swire Group, Hang Lung Properties, and Sun Hung Kai Properties. Organizational units coordinate with cultural venues including the Asia Society Hong Kong Center, Hong Kong Museum of Art, and performing companies such as the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and Hong Kong Ballet.

The agency’s structure permits programmatic collaboration with educational institutions including The University of Hong Kong, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, and Hong Kong Polytechnic University, aligning training initiatives with incubators such as Cyberport and Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation.

Programs and Initiatives

Programmatic activity spans grant schemes, market-access initiatives, incubators, and promotional campaigns involving festivals like the Art Basel Hong Kong, Clockenflap, and Hong Kong Arts Festival. Film-focused measures interface with the Hong Kong Film Archive and producers associated with studios akin to Milkyway Image and distributors linked to Golden Harvest. Design and branding initiatives have partnered with the World Expo delegates and trade shows like the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair and Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair.

Talent development programs liaise with award platforms such as the Hong Kong Film Awards, Golden Horse Awards, and international events like the Venice Biennale and Cannes Film Festival. Music and performance schemes engage ensembles from the City Contemporary Dance Company and soloists who have performed at venues like the Lincoln Center and Sydney Opera House. Entrepreneurial support connects creators to accelerators modeled after the T-Works and aligns with intellectual property forums including the World Intellectual Property Organization.

Funding and Partnerships

Funding streams derive from allocations approved by the Financial Secretary (Hong Kong) and oversight by committees such as the Public Accounts Committee and the Audit Commission (Hong Kong). The agency administers subsidy schemes that co-fund projects alongside private sponsors including conglomerates like Cathay Pacific, Bank of China (Hong Kong), and regional partners such as the Guangdong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism. International cultural exchange is supported through memoranda of understanding with counterparts including the British Council, the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, and the Japan Foundation.

Philanthropic collaborations involve foundations like the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the Hong Kong Arts Development Fund, and corporate social responsibility arms of banks such as HSBC. Co-investment models have been trialed with venue operators including Hongkong Land and event promoters from groups like MGM Resorts International and Melco Resorts & Entertainment. Multilateral engagement has occurred with trade bodies including the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and regional initiatives led by the Greater Bay Area planning offices.

Impact and Reception

The agency’s programs have been credited with increasing visibility for creative sectors at forums including the World Expo, Asian Cultural Council residencies, and international film markets such as the European Film Market and Asian Film Market. Reviews by commentators in publications associated with outlets like the South China Morning Post, Financial Times, and The Economist have noted both successes in promotion and criticisms regarding funding prioritization and accountability from civic groups represented in debates at the Legislative Council of Hong Kong. Cultural practitioners affiliated with the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre, Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Artists, and independent collectives have reported mixed outcomes in access to grants and export opportunities.

Surveys by cultural consultancies and opinions expressed at panels at institutions such as the Hong Kong Arts Centre and the Asia Society reflect discourse on balancing commercial partnerships with artistic autonomy. International partners from the British Council, Goethe-Institut, and Alliance Française have continued collaborative programming, while local stakeholders including the Hong Kong Federation of Women and youth organizations maintain active engagement in shaping future directions.

Category:Cultural organisations based in Hong Kong