A Heart for the Arts
Victor Cha, executive chairman of HKR International, demonstrates a personal and professional commitment to the arts
A property company investing in the development of Hong Kong is hardly out of the ordinary. But rare are the corporations that set their sights on expanding not only the city’s vertical profile, but also its wealth of art and cultural experiences. HKR International is one such group.
The real estate, property management, hospitality and healthcare conglomerate—which manages HKRI Taikoo Hui in Shanghai, as well as the entirety of Discovery Bay’s residential and commercial offerings—is helmed by Victor Cha, a veteran with more than four decades of experience. Cha has been tasked with identifying potential areas of further development, and has taken it upon himself to do so not just in the realm of property, but also in his role as chairman of the Hong Kong Arts Festival (HKAF).
“HKAF has always kept pace with the times, and served as a springboard to creativity and diversity for the city while presenting to the world Hong Kong’s eclectic and vibrant arts and culture offerings,” says Cha. His commitment to promoting cultural development earned him an honorary fellowship from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2010; this year, he guides HKAF through its 50th anniversary celebrations.
Covid-19 has wreaked havoc on the arts industries the world over, and Hong Kong, says Cha “was not immune to the situation”. HKAF made the difficult decision to cancel its 2020 programme. Adapting in the face of adversity, the team created an online programme, bringing virtual events to larger, international audiences and further establishing itself as a leading cultural festivals in Asia.
Turning obstacles into opportunities, HKAF has used state-of-the-art technology and embraced a hybrid way of bringing the arts to the public. Cha hopes that his passion for the arts is disseminated through his involvement with, and vision for, HKAF in the years to come.
“The festival plays a significant role in connecting Hong Kong to the international arts scene. Local artists are encouraged to maximise their potential and shine on stage alongside top performers from around the world,” says Cha. Its Young Friends scheme has benefited students through access to its cultural programmes in the 30 years since its inception.
With a whole host of new cultural venues—including the long-awaited M+ museum— opening their doors, Hong Kong’s reputation as a regional cultural hub is continuing to grow. Through its support of the arts, HKR International constantly demonstrates a dedication to the community and an appreciation of the people that contribute to its creative industries and cultural offerings.