Hong Kong can draw on Art March’s success by keeping it authentic

Last week, a friend and I chatted about our children’s favourite art pieces after happening upon an auction house’s exhibition in a building in the heart of Hong Kong’s business district. We both recalled stopping to look at Yayoi Kusama’s Mount Fuji prints. “I pass by the space twice every day,” my friend said. She told me that my son’s pick – a piece by Sam Francis – was a new installation, replacing what had been a display of handbags.How often do we pause to notice art, or enjoy life in general? Perhaps that’s the very essence of art: getting immersed in a much-needed and captivating distraction from the demands of a busy schedule and looking at something beautiful that transcends time and space.March has given Hongkongers the chance to escape the hustle and bustle to admire meaningful and beautiful art from all over the world. It’s certainly an accessible mental break for a highly strung city; viewing art has been found to reduce stress and anxiety, lift moods and enhance cognitive functions.We often hear about Hong Kong being the place where “East-meets-West”. Art March has become the month Hongkongers can hear, see, feel and breathe it – it’s much more than a slogan.So kudos to the organisers and the Hong Kong Government. Judged by its success and popularity, it’s a definite keeper. It has taken decades of commitment to cultivate and nurture the art scene, building on the foundations laid by the 54-year-old Hong Kong Arts Festival, which runs incredible programmes from late February through March annually.Sculptures and paintings are seen at the Ota booth at this year’s Art Basel, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, on March 25. Photo: Eugene LeeHopefully, all the different forms of art can inspire Hong Kong to be more creative. It’s a breath of fresh air to see the Tourism Board getting its act together. Earlier this month, the government-subvented body unveiled its work plan for the year.