Secretary Law Opens Collect Hong Kong Art Fair 2025, Celebrating Local Artists and Cultural Exchange

Speech by SCST at opening ceremony of Collect Hong Kong Art Fair 2025

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the opening ceremony of Collect Hong Kong Art Fair 2025 today (March 21):

Mr Peter Lau (Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Hong Kong Arts Centre), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

In fact, this is the third event of this afternoon that I attended. And just now I was in the Chinese University of Hong Kong, at the opening of the Art Museum's expansion. The second art event also related to our tertiary institution. It is actually a great pleasure to join you all today at the opening of Collect Hong Kong Art Fair 2025. This remarkable biennial event celebrates the immense talent of our local artists and brings together art lovers from all around the world. As we can see, Collect Hong Kong is not just an art fair - it is a platform that nurtures creativity, fosters connections, and enriches our city's vibrant cultural landscape. Seeing and hearing is believing. It's really vibrant.

With the clear support in the National 14th Five-Year Plan, the Hong Kong Government strives to develop Hong Kong into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. Blessed with a unique background as a cultural melting pot of East and West, extensive international connections, as well as large-scale arts and cultural facilities developed one after another, Hong Kong has made remarkable achievements in the development of the art trading market. In 2023, the total trade value of works of art, collectors' pieces and antiques exceeded HK$100 billion, making Hong Kong one of the world's top three art trading centres. This reaffirms Hong Kong's position as an international hub for arts and culture.

Collect Hong Kong 2025 plays a vital role in showcasing the depth and diversity of our artistic community. This year, the event coincides with globally renowned fairs such as Art Basel and Art Central, which further adds colour to the fantastic art month - Hong Kong Super March, and will definitely present an immersive art experience to visitors from all around the world.

But, as Peter said, unlike the two fairs I mentioned just now, you would have noticed that Collect Hong Kong is mainly showcasing the works of our home grown local artists. I very much appreciate Collect Hong Kong's dedication to provide a platform to showcase our home-grown talents to the community and the rest of the world. This event brings together an impressive range of creative minds, from emerging talents taking their first steps into the art world, to established artists whose works have already made a significant impact. I encourage everyone here today to explore the incredible works on display, engage with the artists, and if possible, support them by acquiring their art. Every piece tells a unique story, and every purchase is an investment in the future of our creative community.

I would like to commend the Hong Kong Arts Centre for making this event happen, and particularly for opening the event with free admission. This effort ensures that art is for everyone - students, families, and those who may be experiencing an art fair for the very first time. By making art more accessible, we cultivate a deeper appreciation and understanding of creativity in our society.

I would also like to thank all supporting and collaborating institutions including our colleges, tertiary institutions and all the art schools, and everyone who has contributed to the Hong Kong art scene. I wish Collect Hong Kong 2025 a resounding success, and everyone of you here a memorable and enriching experience. Thank you.

Notice on appointments to advisory and statutory bodies

A Government spokesman said today (January 12) that Mr Chan Kin-por recently sought approval from the Chief Executive to suspend his three public positions as appointed by the Chief Executive, until the completion of the work of the Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po (Independent Committee). Mr Chan made this request to allow himself more time to dedicate to the work of the Independent Committee. After due consideration, the Chief Executive has agreed to and approved this request. The three public positions are: (1) Chairman of Independent Commission Against Corruption Advisory Committee on Corruption; (2) Non-executive Director of Urban Renewal Authority Board; and (3) Member of Honours and Non-official Justices of the Peace Selection Committee.

On December 12, 2025, the Government established the Independent Committee to examine the causes of the incident and related issues, ascertain the facts, and make recommendations on preventing similar tragedies and on improvement measures. The Independent Committee is chaired by Mr Justice David Lok, with Mr Chan Kin-por and Dr Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen serving as members. The Independent Committee held its first meeting on December 19 last year and aims to complete its work within nine months of commencing operations.

Mr Chan Kin-por wrote earlier to the Chief Executive, expressing his wish to suspend the aforementioned three public positions until the Independent Committee completes its work, in order to dedicate more time and focus to the Independent Committee's tasks. The Chief Executive has agreed to and approved the request.

A Government spokesperson said that since the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, both the Government and the wider community have been highly concerned about the causes of the incident and the follow-up work. The scope of the Independent Committee's work is extensive, particularly concerning systemic issues related to bid-rigging and connected interests. Given the numerous issues involved and their complex nature, the Government will fully co-operate with the Independent Committee to ensure that it can complete its work and compile its report within nine months. The Government extends its gratitude to Mr Chan for accepting the appointment as a member of the Independent Committee and for his professional and conscientious approach to the Committee's work. When the Independent Committee's work is completed, the Government looks forward to Mr Chan's continuous contribution through his aforementioned public positions.

Source: AI-found images