HK gov't declines to say how much funding it gave for 'Chubby Hearts'
The government has declined to reveal how much funding it provided for an open-air art installation of giant floating balloons conceived by British fashion designer Anya Hindmarch.
Launched on Wednesday, Chubby Hearts Hong Kong is part of the authorities’ drive to bring large-scale “mega events” to the city to boost an economy struggling to recover after all Covid-19 restrictions were lifted early last year. It was organised by the Hong Kong Design Centre, with funding support from the government’s Mega Arts and Cultural Events (ACE) Fund.
Since its unveiling, the heart balloons have popped up at various locations across the city, attracting couples to pose in front of them as well as criticism. In a Thursday Facebook post, shareholder activist David Webb questioned how much the installation had cost taxpayers.
Kevin Yeung, the CSTB chief said in late 2022 the government planned to allocate approximately HK$60 million per year from the Arts and Sport Development Fund to the ACE fund to support around four activities.
Responding to lawmakers last July, the bureau said the maximum funding amount for each project was HK$15 million, but the ACE committee could adjust that amount for a specific project’s requirements, if necessary.
Lee said during the opening ceremony for Chubby Hearts Hong Kong that the installation was one of the year’s many mega events, and he hoped the city would host yet more to showcase Hong Kong’s strengths and make it a must-visit city for tourists.
Yolanda Ng, a former district councillor and a member of the ACE committee, said on Thursday on RTHK that the committee considered the scale of the event, its ability to attract tourists, the organiser’s capacity to curate large-scale events, and the significance of the project for Hong Kong when reviewing applications for funding.
Related articles
'Constantly learning' Imanaga off to impressive start with the Chicago Cubs
CHICAGO (AP) — The road for Shota Imanaga from Japan to the major leagues included at least one shar2024-05-21Chile forest fires death toll jumps to 46, likely to keep rising
By Diego Ore for ReutersAerial view of burned houses in Quilpe, Chile after a forest fire. Photo: RO2024-05-21- Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here2024-05-21
On Your Side: Survey reveals many college students carry credit
On Your Side: College students and credit-card debt 03:382024-05-21Yu Darvish extends scoreless innings streak to 25 in Padres' 9
ATLANTA (AP) — Yu Darvish dominated a slumping Braves offense and extended his career-high scoreless2024-05-21Green MP Efeso Collins dies during charity run
Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone2024-05-21
atest comment