On March 28, the city’s most beautiful people gathered for the opening ceremony of the ‘Voyage with Van Gogh’, an immersive art experience driven by the First Initiative Foundation’s (FIF). Held at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, it transported attendees to another world
When? March 28, 2024
Where? Hong Kong Cultural Centre
Who? Michelle Ong, Denise Lo, Karen Mok, Timothy Fok, Yvonne Fong, Hugo Belloy and Eleanor Lam
Here’s what you missed: On March 28, guests gathered for the opening ceremony of “Voyage with Van Gogh” on the harbourfront in Tsim Sha Tsui, followed by an exclusive dinner at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The evening, which is hosted by the First Initiative Foundation’s (FIF), marked the kick-off of the immersive art experience, mesmerising guests with a lighting ceremony and pyrotechnics. All eyes were also on the art installation on the iconic Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower; created by the Spanish artist Vritis, of Visura Studio, it offers 3D visuals to the tune of an original piece, Rain or Shine, which was composed and produced by Leon Ko and Chiu Tsang Hei, famed artists working in support of the FIF, and performed by the pianist Niu Niu and violinist Wang Liang.
The opening ceremony also featured a blue carpet that welcomed guests, followed by captivating performances by some of the city’s marquee musical talents. The Yat Po acapella group sang a medley that included a rendition of Miley Cyrus’s Flowers; Canto-pop favourite Ivana Wong belted her hits; and singer Leah Dou, who closed out the ceremony to a backdrop of fireworks, drew cheers and screams from fans who were waiting on the sidelines. After the ceremony, guests walked the short distance to the VIP dinner at the Cantonese venue, Serenade, on the second floor of the Cultural Centre, which was converted into a dreamy, candlelit den. Draping from the ceiling created an intimate, cosy feel—the perfect setting for deep conversations among the art enthusiasts and Tatler community members in attendance. An eight-course dinner—the number was chosen for luck—was prepared by chefs Michael Wu and Tsoi Wai Ping. The star of the show was the roasted “brilliant fortune piglet”, which was served with neon red lights in its eyes. It delighted the guests, who captured everything for Instagram.
During the feast, Michelle Ong, FIF’s chairwoman, took to the stage. “Tonight’s dinner is a great gathering of our sponsors, donors and members of FIF. There is nothing better than celebrating the good times than with good food and good friends,” she said, before asking her fundraising committee, which include her children Amanda and Adrian, the latter who also emceed the evening, as well as Denise Lo—to stand and take a bow.
“Voyage with Van Gogh”, a collaboration between FIF and the Netherlands-based Van Gogh Heritage Foundation, is part of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department Art@Harbour 2024 programme and is open to the public through the end of May.
Furthering its mission to empower local talents and foster artistic exchange, FIF has also launched an art programme, granting ten emerging Hong Kong artists the opportunity to showcase their work at a Van Gogh Heritage Site in the Netherlands. The evening was a testament to the philanthropic spirit of the attendees. Generous contributions made during a silent auction helped further the initiatives of the FIF, supporting its efforts to promote cultural preservation, education and community development. It was also a true celebration of the timeless beauty of Van Gogh’s masterpieces and Hong Kong’s vibrant arts and culture scene—and one of the highlights of Art Month. Until next year!