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. |
Politics updates: Kāinga Ora crackdown, changes to plugPort of Auckland workers protest mayor's longEDITORIAL: Sex offender checks must protect children, human rightsClimate Change Commission urges govt to cut carbon credit surplusEDITORIAL: Sex offender checks must protect children, human rightsUS to impose sanctions on over 500 targets in Russia actionGovernment rejects Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown's demands over rates, GST100 days since Hamas attacked Israel, triggering war in GazaHope new research will help get answers for those with rare disordersOscars 2024: Barbie's Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie miss key nominations