As part of its 60th anniversary celebrations, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) hosted the Wan Chai Community Art Creation Workshop on July 16 at the Hong Kong Book Fair, engaging around 100 local students in creating drawings that will inspire a large-scale artwork by artist Jane Lee, known as Messy Desk. The event, attended by HKTDC Chairman Prof Frederick Ma and Executive Director Sophia Chong, underscores the council's commitment to community and youth development while promoting Hong Kong's trade and business.
Prof Ma highlighted the significance of the initiative, stating: "The Wan Chai Community Art Creation Workshop enables young people to draw a vibrant picture of Hong Kong through art. Every pen stroke vividly reflects their perspective on the city’s global role. The HKTDC has been based in Wan Chai for decades, helping link Hong Kong with global markets. Through this project we are fostering the growth of Wan Chai’s creative sector and the exchange of ideas, creating momentum for the future."
The workshop, themed "Hong Kong Trade · Connecting the World," invited primary and secondary school students from Wan Chai through organizations including the Boys' & Girls' Clubs Association of Hong Kong, Methodist Centre, and St James’ Settlement. Students depicted Hong Kong's trade development, incorporating landmarks, exhibition and conference scenes, shipping and air freight elements, and community and business life. The artwork creatively expresses Hong Kong's "Four Centres and One Hub" positioning under the national 15th Five-Year Plan, highlighting the city's roles as an international financial, shipping, trading, and innovation and technology centre, as well as a global hub for high-calibre talent.
The final artwork, refined by the artist, will be displayed from October 2 to 29 at the eastbound tram stop on O'Brien Road in Wan Chai, allowing the public to celebrate the HKTDC's milestone. During the Hong Kong Book Fair, the HKTDC also facilitated free visits to the Book Fair, Sports and Leisure Expo, and World of Snacks for participating students, broadening their cultural horizons.
This community project not only marks the HKTDC's six decades of service but also reinforces the importance of nurturing youth creativity and understanding of Hong Kong's global connectivity. As the city positions itself under the 15th Five-Year Plan, the artwork serves as a visual reminder of Hong Kong's strengths in linking markets worldwide. For more information on HKTDC's anniversary activities, visit https://60.hktdc.com/en. Media inquiries can be directed through the HKTDC Media Room at https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en.
