The unveiling of the “Chubby Hearts Hong Kong” art installations was supposed to be a celebration of creativity and love. Instead, it has sparked a heated debate over government funding and transparency.
The event, organized by the Hong Kong Design Centre and featuring a giant heart-shaped balloon by British designer Anya Hindmarch, received a HK$7.8 million (US$997,170) grant from the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund. This revelation, coming just days after the event’s launch, has raised eyebrows and led to calls for more transparency in how taxpayer money is spent.
Critics pointed out that the amount awarded to “Chubby Hearts” was nearly half of what luxury lifestyle brand Tatler Asia received for a friendly football match featuring Lionel Messi. The disparity in funding has raised questions about the criteria used to allocate funds and whether they are being used effectively.
The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, which oversees the fund, defended the grant, stating that it covered various expenses such as curation, production, and promotion. However, critics argue that more detailed information is needed to ensure accountability.
The controversy has also highlighted concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Hindmarch is a tenant at the K11 MUSEA shopping centre, owned by New World Development, where the fund committee’s chairman, Adrian Cheng Chi-kong, serves as vice-chairman and CEO. While Cheng has declared his interest in accordance with the rules, questions remain about the transparency of the process.
In light of these issues, lawmaker Doreen Kong Yuk-foon has called for clearer guidelines and more transparency in the allocation of funds. She argues that this is essential to build trust with the public and ensure that taxpayer money is being used appropriately.
The controversy surrounding the “Chubby Hearts” event serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in government funding. As Hong Kong seeks to promote its arts and culture scene, it must also ensure that the process is fair and transparent to all.
(Source: HKFP | SCMP)
