Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the gala dinner in celebration of Hong Kong Exhibition at Venice Biennale on May 8 (Venice time):

Mr Li Xiaoyong (Charge d'Affaires ad interim at the Chinese Embassy in Italy), Dr Ambrosetti (Ambassador of Italy to the People's Republic of China, Dr Massimo Ambrosetti), Ms Bisson (Director of International Relations Department, Veneto Region Government, Ms Annalisa Bisson), Kenneth (Chairman of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council, Mr Kenneth Fok), Nancy (Chairman of the Friends of the Hong Kong Museum of Art, Mrs Nancy Lee), distinguished guests, cultural leaders, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good evening. Buonasera. It is a true pleasure to join you here in the heart of Venice, in this magnificent historic building. A very warm welcome in particular to our friends who have travelled from across the globe to be with us tonight.

     This evening is a perfect occasion to celebrate cultural friendships - and it reminds me of the many strong and ever strengthening ties between Italy and Hong Kong. We share not only a passion for gastronomy, music, opera, creativity, craftsmanship and elegance; Italy has also been a longstanding partner in the Hong Kong Fashion Fest and the Hong Kong Business of Design Week.

     Our collaborations extend deeply into the museum heritage and the arts. Some of our Italian museum collaborators and directors are also here with us today. These past collaborations stand as a testament to more than 55 years of diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and Italy. And tonight, we are delighted to celebrate another landmark moment for Hong Kong as we showcase our cultural legacy and creative spirit at the Venice Biennale.

     This year's exhibition, "Fermata: Hong Kong in Venice", marks an exciting milestone. It represents a new collaboration between the Hong Kong Arts Development Council and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. And for the first time, the Hong Kong Museum of Art has been entrusted with curating our presentation. Drawing on over six decades of championing local art, and as the home of prestigious artwork collections and world-class donations of Chinese painting and antiquities - including the largest donation in the world from the 20th-century Chinese art master Wu Guanzhong - our Museum of Art brings a distinctly Hong Kong curatorial perspective to this global stage. The Museum has also been progressively fostering institutional partnerships worldwide. To name just a few recent collaborations: The Capodimonte Museum, the Uffizi Galleries, the Tate, Musée d'Orsay, Guimet, and the Palace Museum. Tonight, we are delighted and truly grateful that representatives from several of these esteemed institutions are here to share this remarkable moment with us. Thank you.

     To actively promote art and foster global dialogue, Hong Kong has been forging stronger ties around the world. A recent major achievement is our five-year collaboration agreement with Art Basel, solidifying Hong Kong as the exclusive host city in the region and establishing our city as a global hub for premium arts trading. The Art Month in March in Hong Kong has become a global mega event that no art lover, collector or professional should miss. This year, the five-day event attracted over 91,000 visitors, bringing together hundreds of international galleries and art professionals in Hong Kong. All these milestones align with our country's 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development, which aims to facilitate greater arts and cultural exchanges between the Chinese Mainland and overseas countries. To all the international leaders here tonight: we eagerly look forward to exploring more synergies with you.

     The success of Hong Kong's vibrant art scene would not be possible without the long-term partnership with major cultural institutions in Hong Kong. And forgive me, I have a long list of people and partners to thank. Firstly, I want to thank the Hong Kong Arts Development Council for your contribution in co-presenting the Hong Kong exhibition at the Venice Biennale since 2001. I must also extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Friends of Hong Kong Museum of Art for their generous support of the Museum throughout the years, and for their great efforts in bringing together ardent art patrons to organise and join this magnificent gala dinner. Special thanks of course go to our Chairlady, Nancy. Your presence here is a sign of true friendship built on our shared commitment to foster a deeper appreciation of visual arts in Hong Kong. Moreover, I understand that over 60 museum directors and professionals are here with us tonight. To all of you, thank you for being part of this memorable moment - the Hong Kong Museum of Art's first presence in the Venice Biennale. Last but not least, I must thank Li Xiaoyong 代辦, Dr Ambrosetti, Ambassador of Italy to the People's Republic of China, who come all the way from Beijing to grace our party. 

     I hope this evening inspires new collaborations and lasting friendships, that together we witness the enduring power of cultural exchange. I wish you all a most enjoyable evening at this magnificent venue.

     Thank you and buon appetito!

Ends/Saturday, May 9, 2026
Issued at HKT 9:28

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