ART HONG KONG, a four-day international art and culture gala, kicked off on Wednesday, aiming to enhance cultural exchanges between the East and the West.

Under the theme of "Tradition and Modernity," the gala comprises a large-scale art exhibition, an inspiring series of international art forums, an array of community-engaging workshops and masterclasses, and daily educational guided tours.

John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), said in his video speech that the HKSAR government is committed to the development of art and culture and creative industries so as to strengthen the driving force for Hong Kong's development.

The HKSAR government will map out a blueprint for art and culture and creative industries development and establish a mega art and cultural event fund to promote the staging of more international art and cultural events in Hong Kong, he said.

Mao Chaofeng, chairman of Bauhinia Culture Group Co., Ltd. said at the opening ceremony that Hong Kong has its unique advantages in the field of art and culture. He believes that art practitioners in the city will grasp opportunities, foster art development in a creative manner, and promote cultural exchanges between the East and the West.

Lu Xinning, deputy head of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, said at the opening ceremony that ART HONG KONG will help promote Hong Kong as an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchanges.

Lu said that she hopes Hong Kong can present the beauty of Chinese art and culture to the world, and write a new chapter of the cultural development of the "Pearl of the Orient" in the new era.