Le French May arts festival to create "cultural staycation" for HK audience

HONG KONG, March 11 (Xinhua) -- Le French May arts festival, an annual cultural event in Hong Kong, is expected to create a "cultural staycation" for Hong Kong audience this year, with over 120 art and cultural programs and activities, organizers announced Monday.

This year's Le French May arts festival, with the theme of "Voyage", will lead the audience into a journey "through time and space, from the East to the West" with a series of dance, music, photography, design and theatre performances, organizers said at a press conference on the highlights of this year's festival.

The festival, to be held in May and June, will be kicked off by French female artist Niki de Saint Phalle's exhibition, and will stage the Asian debute of music performance "Invitation to the Voyage" by Paris Mozart Orchestra.

The festival aims at reaching a wider audience in Hong Kong, allowing more people, in particular the younger generation, to enjoy cultural programs and develop their art appreciation.

Andrew Yuen, chairman of the board of Le French May, said at the press conference that 27 years after its establishment the art festival "has confirmed its role as a prime event for local and visitors alike to discover, enjoy, and learn about art and culture; a platform for the communities to dialogue, exchange and grow; a source of aspiration and inspiration".

Cherry Tse, permanent secretary for home affairs of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, said that the HKSAR government strives to promote Hong Kong, "a unique city where East meets West", as an international cultural metropolis.