A government fund contributed around HK$7.8 million for an open-air art installation of giant heart-shaped balloons around Hong Kong, a Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) spokesperson has said, after the bureau earlier declined to reveal the amount provided for the event.
Launched on Wednesday, Chubby Hearts Hong Kong is part of the authorities’ drive to bring large-scale “mega events” to the city to boost an economy struggling to recover after all Covid-19 restrictions were lifted early last year. It was organised by the Hong Kong Design Centre, with funding support from the government’s Mega Arts and Cultural Events (ACE) Fund.
Subscribe to HKFP's twice-weekly newsletter for a concise round-up of local news and our best coverage. Unsubscribe at any time - we will not pass on your data to third parties.
Processing… Success! You're on the list. Whoops! There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. Please reload the page and try again.Since its unveiling, the heart balloons have popped up at various locations across the city, attracting couples to pose in front of them as well as criticism. In a Thursday Facebook post, shareholder activist David Webb questioned how much the installation had cost taxpayers.
The CSBT later told lawmakers the maximum funding amount for each project was HK$15 million, but the ACE committee could adjust that amount for a specific project’s requirements, if necessary.
Finnish carrier suspends Estonia flights after GPS interference prevents 2 landings
Netflix fans reveal the shows they gave up on after a few episodes: 'Don't waste your time'
After Roe v Wade, alarms sound about emergency pregnancy care in U.S.
Nvidia to buy Israeli AI company for estimated $700M
Maurizio Cattalan, Zoe Soldana collaborate in iconoclastic Vatican exhibition inside women’s prison
UK's Princess of Wales says she is under cancer treatment
San Francisco mayor announces the city will receive pandas from China
FAU's Vladislav Goldin to join Dusty May at Michigan, pulls name out of NBA draft
Chinese military ready to boost ties with Indonesian counterpart: defense spokesperson
Laborers and street vendors in Mali find no respite as deadly heat wave surges through West Africa