Cover Fiona Tam hopes her arts space will bring together communities (Photo: Affa Chan / Tatler Hong Kong)
Fiona Tam hopes her arts space will bring together communities (Photo: Affa Chan / Tatler Hong Kong)
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Arts enthusiast Fiona Tam is the founder of Heath, a 40,000 sq ft space now open at Chungking Mansions
When did this concept come to life?
I started this project when I was 23. I was a fresh graduate and I felt lost. I wanted to pursue art as a passion but I also realised I needed a “proper job” that ticked certain boxes in the eyes of my parents. This opportunity came up a year into the pandemic during a conversation with my dad, who had already acquired the space. As a well-travelled lover of the arts, including architecture, I have witnessed how spaces can be transformed into places that connect and inspire people. I wanted to create something meaningful that could promote an open-minded and accessible community.
What inspired the name Heath?
I named the space after uncultivated expanses of land where biodiversity teems under wiry heather shrubs. I envision Heath as a place of boundless potential and life. Fun fact: from a bird’s eye view, the main Chungking Mansions building is in the shape of an “H”.
How has your experience in the arts steered this project?
My background at the New York University Tisch School of the Arts allowed me to view this project from a fresh and unique perspective. From the start, I wanted to create something that speaks to the current generation. I wanted to bridge real estate with arts and culture, but not in a clinical way—I wanted to provide an accessible space for people to interact with. It can be as casual as grabbing lunch at one of the eateries, or visiting an art exhibition before heading back to work. As a creative, I am not afraid to step outside of conventional boundaries; in fact, it excites me.
Are you looking to change the negative image long associated with Chungking Mansions?
Most previous tenants at Chungking Mansions went out of their way to disassociate themselves with it because of the negative light it was portrayed in—a notorious, dilapidated structure filled with illicit behaviour and cramped dwellings. Chungking Mansions is part of Hong Kong’s portfolio of historical landmarks, recognised internationally by sociologists and indie house movie buffs thanks to Wong Kar-wai’s [seminal 1994 film] Chungking Express. Most people I spoke to didn’t think it was possible to “rebrand” the basement, but that’s not what we set out to do. It is important for us to embrace its cultural significance. It’s less about rebranding the area for us than it is about creating an unexpected hub for open-minded individuals to hang out and explore—to transform what most would assume is the underbelly of a coloured past to something current and approachable.
What has been the biggest challenge to opening a space at Chungking Mansions?
The technical aspect. We had to overcome a lot of obstacles related to the physical constraints of the existing structure. Chungking Mansions was constructed in the 1960s and was meant to just be a car park.
How does this space differ from other retail hubs in Hong Kong?
The space itself is extremely rare in Hong Kong, not only because it is a historical landmark, but because it spans 40,000 sq ft across one floor. Heath differs from the other arts, culture and dining destinations as it [was designed with] locals in mind. This doesn’t mean that we do not welcome tourists, but the tenants that currently fill the space are all homegrown brands and we strive to highlight local talents and businesses.
What are some challenges you’ve faced as a young entrepreneur?
As a young millennial, I don’t have the experience or knowledge to pull this off on my own, but I am eager to learn. The market is not doing well, there are hidden costs in almost everything that are always surprising and I’m constantly having to be flexible and pivot to make things work without sacrificing too much of the vision. I wear all the hats simultaneously: leasing agent, project manager, materials sourcer, creative director, designer, photographer, hiring manager, landlord, compliance manager, marketing manager—you name it.
Heath’s slogan is “culture from the ground up”. Can you tell us more about this?
It’s a tongue-in-cheek nod to the fact that Heath is literally underground, but it also speaks to our goal to really make art and culture more accessible. I want to move away from the idea that art is only for the well-heeled. One of our ambitions at Heath is to uplift local talent, from restaurants to entrepreneurs and artists. That means nurturing budding talent from the ground up and really using our space and platform to help them reach people. Heath isn’t about occupying rarefied air or being above anyone—we want to be down to earth. With our plans to line up local talents, workshops and pop-ups, it’ll give people more of a reason to explore the space for the dynamic roster of happenings. It’s a hell of a challenge and I’m all for it.
As Content Director at Tatler Hong Kong, Tara shapes the brand's editorial vision and reports on Asia's most influential figures — from CEOs and business leaders to designers. In her dual role as Head of VIP, she curates star-studded events and builds the relationships and communities that define the brand. Born and raised in the Middle East, she honed her craft in Dubai, crafting communication strategies for luxury brands across the Gulf. Follow her on Instagram @tarasobti.
