In a significant stride towards fostering global cultural exchange, the National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) and the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC) have joined hands in a pioneering partnership aimed at amplifying the visibility and accessibility of artists from both regions. The collaboration, forged through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on February 2, 2024, promises to catalyze a vibrant convergence of South African and Hong Kong artistic expression across music, visual arts, crafts, dance, theatre, and literature.
The genesis of this transformative alliance traces back to a productive working visit by NAC officials to Hong Kong, hosted by the South African Consulate-General. During this visit, discussions blossomed, paving the way for a strategic framework that emphasizes cross-cultural pollination and mutual enrichment in the arts.
“The signing of MoU between HKADC and NAC of South Africa marks an important milestone for promoting the arts and cultural exchange and collaboration between Hong Kong and South Africa. We hope the Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo will provide a platform for both talented Hong Kong and South African artists to showcase their outstanding works to audiences in both places,” stated Ms. Winsome Chow, Chief Executive of Hong Kong Arts Development Council.
The signing ceremony, attended by Ms. Julie Diphofa, Interim Chief Executive Officer of NAC, alongside Dr. Winsome Chow, Chief Executive of HKADC, and Ms. Heidi Chu, Executive Director of HKADC, marked the formalization of this landmark collaboration. Through this partnership, both entities are committed to facilitating cultural exchanges that transcend geographical boundaries, enriching the creative landscape of both South Africa and Hong Kong.
“As the Council of the NAC, we are deliberate on our mission to make the NAC an accessible and responsive funding agency, delivering public value by leveraging partnerships to foster the development, promotion, and sustainability of the arts sector. As such, we are excited about this international collaboration and believe it will amplify the impact of our initiatives and contribute to the overall growth of the arts sector,” echoed H.R.H. Princess Celenhle Dlamini, Chairperson of the NAC Council.
One of the flagship initiatives under this partnership will be the joint curation of new musical compositions blending African and Chinese music traditions. This initiative will debut at the Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo (HKPAX) in October 2024, followed by a showcase at the South African Expo in 2025. Emerging and established artists from South Africa, selected for their proficiency in indigenous music instruments, will collaborate with their Hong Kong counterparts under the guidance of a music director, supported financially by both councils.
“The collaboration is an exciting step to develop Hong Kong into an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchanges that inspire new ideas,” affirmed Ms. Heidi Chu, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo.
The Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture (DSAC), as a stakeholder in the NAC, commended the partnership for its potential to create jobs, offer global exposure, and nurture talent within South Africa’s vibrant arts community. As this cultural exchange unfolds, it promises to weave new narratives of creativity, collaboration, and cross-cultural understanding, enriching the tapestry of global artistic expression.
