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    Why North Point? What is there to encounter via North Point? Where is the Hong Kong Arts Centre going via North Point?

    Why North Point? What is there to encounter via North Point? Where is the Hong Kong Arts Centre going via North Point?

    Text: Ian Leung (Programme Manager, Hong Kong Arts Centre)
    Translation: Nicholas Wong
    Image: Wailok Cheung

    Art is inseparable from our lives; it feeds upon societal happenings. It just so happens that, being a commodity, art is detached from us.

    So, why not?

    Via North Point has already exceeded a mere project with an end date; it is a self-sustaining process.

    Henceforth, with curiosity and empathy, this “passing-by” shall live on in the imaginations within the community- even after we leave with precious memories. There is a common saying that goes: one’s intentions are known in time. A similar reflection could be drawn from the process of art: in the act of observing our needs, and our relationship with others, lies an energetic community. Through artistic imaginations and sensory perception, we may be able to unleash self-restricting mindsets, and experience problems as creative opportunities.

    To achieve our quest, artistic visions alone are not enough. We are incredibly fortunate to have formed a comradery with interdisciplinary professionals, such as architects, urban planners, surveyors, engineers, as well as friends from other fields, who have taught us a lot.

    Their selfless, passionate contributions have ignited many civic discussions and imaginations. Elderly kaifong and younger members of the community have led us through the heartbeat of the community and its local stores in the nooks and crannies, painting a spectral timeline of North Point. The rich social capital and lively collective memories of Chun Yeung Street have become the muse for artists; and in turn, their art creations have transformed mundane places into cultural landscapes connecting the coastline and water bodies that are now dwelling space for the community.

    We are so grateful for the Urban Renewal Fund’s open policies and their trust in the Hong Kong Arts Centre, for allowing such a refreshing opportunity in the harsh urban space; for stepping out of their safe zone to create a comfortable environment for all; and for extending visions of urban co-living into the public realm.

    To nurture the concept of co-living into fruition, we must first let go of our humanistic ego, and cherish our coexistence with nature and its resources.

    From the discovery and conservation of local birds and marine ecology, to recycling initiatives that tackle styrofoam box, plastic bottle, and kitchen waste problems, the tightly-knitted North Point community has already shown its capability to carry out the idea of sustainable co-living.

     

    Of course, when it comes to the utilitarian society that is Hong Kong, the immediate question would be: what’s next?

    The nature of art is temporal, it is a response to certain issues of a certain era in certain sectors of the society. However, if members of the community truly appreciate certain artwork, and voice to preserve it, much like Jeff Koon’s Puppy in Bilbao, Spain, still around, 30-some odd years after its installation- isn’t that commendable?

    With all that said, we would love to extend the warmest welcome, for you to participate in the Via North Point Festival, and to leave behind traces of laughter, sweat, images, or memories amongst the art works. We will record truthfully, and reflect our findings to related organizations and departments. Perhaps, the next art pavilion would be a design from your input, brought alive for all.