The West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA) has announced the 13 selected projects from its Arts Relief Scheme 2020, a grant to support local artists in the city during the Covid-19 pandemic. The time-limited response fund amounting to an approximate total of HK $3 million, is raised with voluntary salary contributions from WKCDA's senior executive team as well as a donation from Mr. Henry Tang Ying-yen, chairman of the Authority's board.

As the local art scene in Hong Kong was heavily affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, the scheme received an overwhelming 360 applications from various art forms including visual arts, theatre, dance, music, technical arts, among many others.

The scheme hopes to encourage more engagement within the community when it comes to art, and to foster the digital transformation of creative processes. Assessment was based on the project's creativity and originality, the number of collaborators involved, and how the project can help boost morale among the community during adversity. As Hong Kong aims to further enhance its reputation as a cultural and artistic hub, the projects should also be able to contribute to the development of the local arts and culture sector.

Mr. Henry Tang Ying-yen noted the passion of local artists and that each project will help spread positive energy and promote community spirit.

Some of the selected works include Live@Home by Wow and Flutter, which features the authentic sounds of Hong Kong musicians via weekly live-streaming gigs; and HKwalls 2021, where artists usually showcase their work, painting in the streets of Hong Kong. All projects are expected to be completed by May 2021.

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