The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) marked its 60th anniversary with a community art workshop during the Hong Kong Book Fair, where approximately 100 students collaborated with local artist Jane Lee, known as Messy Desk, to create drawings that will inspire a large-scale public artwork. The event, held in Wan Chai, aimed to engage the community and foster creativity while underscoring Hong Kong's position as an international business hub.
HKTDC Chairman Prof Frederick Ma and Executive Director Sophia Chong attended the workshop to view the students' artistic depictions of Hong Kong's landmarks and economic strengths. 'The Wan Chai Community Art Creation Workshop enables young people to draw a vibrant picture of Hong Kong through art. Every pen stroke vividly reflects their perspective on the city's global role,' said Ma. He added that the HKTDC has been based in Wan Chai for decades, helping link Hong Kong with global markets, and that the project fosters the growth of the creative sector and exchange of ideas.
The workshop centered on the theme 'Hong Kong Trade · Connecting the World.' Students from primary and secondary schools in Wan Chai, invited through organizations like the Boys' & Girls' Clubs Association of Hong Kong, Methodist Centre, and St James' Settlement, presented Hong Kong's trade development through their drawings. The final artwork will incorporate Hong Kong landmarks, scenes from exhibitions and conferences, and elements representing shipping, air freight, community, and business life. It will highlight Hong Kong's 'Four Centres and One Hub' positioning under the national 15th Five-Year Plan, emphasizing its roles as an international financial, shipping, trading, and innovation and technology centre, as well as a global hub for high-calibre talent.
The students' drawings will be compiled to serve as inspiration for the final large-scale artwork, which will be refined by the artist and displayed from 2 to 29 October at the eastbound tram stop on O'Brien Road in Wan Chai. The HKTDC also facilitated free visits to the Book Fair, Sports and Leisure Expo, and World of Snacks for participating students, broadening their horizons through cultural activities.
For more information about the HKTDC's 60th anniversary celebrations, visit https://60.hktdc.com/en. Media enquiries can be directed to the HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department, with details available on the HKTDC Media Room.
