Saturday 02 December 2023 ​ The West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA or the Authority) today announced a new three-year partnership with Cathay in which the airline will collaborate closely with the WKCDA as its exclusive Travel Partner. Not only will the partnership help solidify Hong Kong’s position as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, but it will also give a significant boost to Hong Kong’s cultural tourism.

The WKCDA x Cathay partnership announcement took place today during the WestK Nightscapes, which is currently being held at the Art Park of the West Kowloon Cultural District. The event was officiated by Michael Wong, Deputy Financial Secretary, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Ronald Lam, Chief Executive Officer, the Cathay Group; and Betty Fung, Chief Executive Officer, WKCDA.

Commencing in July this year, the three-year partnership with Cathay supports the WKCDA in various ways, including the provision of air travel services for transporting exhibits for exhibitions hosted by Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) and M+, and for inbound and outbound travel for overseas and local artists participating in the WKCDA’s performing arts programmes. The partnership also provides support to enhance the content and quality of the WKCDA’s exhibitions and programmes, along with publicity enhancement to help promote WKCD as a must-see destination in Hong Kong to members of the public both locally and internationally.

The launch of the partnership was marked by Cathay’s support for the Madame Song: Pioneering Art and Fashion in China Special Exhibition that opened at M+ in July this year. As the exclusive Travel Partner for the Sigg Prize 2023 exhibition that opened at M+ in September, Freespace Jazz Fest (3-8, 26 October 2023), the first WestK Fun Fest in March and April 2024, and the ISH Dance Collection “Elements of Freestyle” in June 2024, Cathay will continue to demonstrate its commitment to supporting the WKCDA’s work in developing the arts and culture scene of Hong Kong both locally and internationally, strengthening Hong Kong’s positioning as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.

Michael Wong, Deputy Financial Secretary, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said the deepening of collaboration between West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA) and Cathay demonstrates how cultural and business sectors leverage the strength of each other to create positive synergy. He is pleased to see West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA) and Cathay work closely together to support Hong Kong's growth as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, while playing Hong Kong's significant role as an international aviation and logistics hub. He believes that the collaboration will attract global audiences to visit Hong Kong and discover its cultural vibrancy, and let the city’s arts and cultural sectors shine.

Ronald Lam, Chief Executive Officer, the Cathay Group, said, “Cathay strives to deepen our contribution to the Hong Kong society, focusing on nurturing the advancement in the domains of youth, sports, arts and culture. We are therefore truly thankful for the collaboration with WKCDA. This partnership provides us with a valuable platform to showcase our dedication to enhancing the artistic and cultural fabric of Hong Kong. Together, we aim to create a lasting impact and contribute to the vibrant cultural landscape of our city.

“Hong Kong has always been a city full of inspiration, and this vibrant and unique spirit is what sets the city apart. As a premium travel lifestyle brand rooted in Hong Kong, Cathay wants to elevate that essence and move people forward in life by constantly providing fresh inspiration to our city. Through this partnership with the WKCDA, Cathay will help bring some of the world's most contemporary and thought-provoking art to Hong Kong. I believe this will not only inspire Hong Kong people and visitors, but also ignite the creativity of future artists in our city.”

Betty Fung, Chief Executive Officer of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, said, “In becoming the exclusive Travel Partner of the WKCDA, Cathay is demonstrating its enduring belief in and encouragement of Hong Kong’s arts and culture industry, and its vision and mission of fostering the local arts, cultural and creative industries. We are grateful for Cathay’s generous support that will greatly assist our efforts to promote arts and culture in Hong Kong, Mainland China and overseas. Over the next three years, we look forward to working closely with Cathay to showcase our quality exhibitions and events overseas, while bringing in top programmes, artists and performing groups to West Kowloon. In launching this exciting partnership, our goal is to reinforce Hong Kong’s position as an important hub for cultural exchange through local and international art.”