Chubby Hearts Hong Kong: Gov't gave HK$7.8 million for installation
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.
Related articles
United Methodists prepare for votes on lifting LGBTQ bans and other issues at General Conference
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — United Methodist delegates are heading into the homestretch of their first le2024-04-30Girl, five, dies after being hit by a lorry as she rode her bike outside school
A five-year-old girl has died after she was hit by a lorry while riding her bike.The child was playi2024-04-30- Princess Beatrice calls it 'the most glamorous Wendy house ever,' and for more than 90 years it has2024-04-30
Prince William spotted on 'low
Prince William has allegedly been spotted on a 'low key' pub outing in Norfolk with his mother-in-la2024-04-30Chinese readers find new passion for scientific literature
A woman visits the 2024 Beijing Book Fair in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Ju Hu2024-04-30US 'prepper' culture diversifies amid fear of disaster and political unrest
Growing numbers of Americans are preparing to survive a natural disaster or societal breakdown. Phot2024-04-30
atest comment