A government fund contributed around HK$7.8 million for an open-air art installation of giant heart-shaped balloons around Hong Kong, a Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) spokesperson has said, after the bureau earlier declined to reveal the amount provided for the event.
A Chubby Hearts balloon pops up in Kennedy Town on February 14, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP. Credit: KYLE_LAM.Y.K
Launched on Wednesday, Chubby Hearts Hong Kong is part of the authorities’ drive to bring large-scale “mega events” to the city to boost an economy struggling to recover after all Covid-19 restrictions were lifted early last year. It was organised by the Hong Kong Design Centre, with funding support from the government’s Mega Arts and Cultural Events (ACE) Fund.
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Since its unveiling, the heart balloons have popped up at various locations across the city, attracting couples to pose in front of them as well as criticism. In a Thursday Facebook post, shareholder activist David Webb questioned how much the installation had cost taxpayers.
The CSBT later told lawmakers the maximum funding amount for each project was HK$15 million, but the ACE committee could adjust that amount for a specific project’s requirements, if necessary.
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