This 9th edition of the festival featured seven artists from the EU, supported by the EUNIC Cluster Fund, the Delegation of the European Union to Hong Kong and Macao and the EUNIC Hong Kong cluster members (Consulate General of Czechia, Alliance Française, Goethe-Institut, Italian Cultural Institute) as well as the Consulates General of Belgium and Ireland.

Held from 22 to 31 March, it showcased the works of Tron from Czechia, Seth from France, Hera form Germany, Alice Pasquini and UNO from Italy, Jaune from Belgium and Aches form Ireland, along with two locally based artists from Finland and Poland. They realized 17 murals connected to the main subject of the project - climate change - out of a total of 31 murals realized within this edition of the festival, which involved also muralists from the US, Mainland China and Hong Kong. Additionally, three artists from Czechia (Pavel Markus), Germany (Truluy) and France (Frederic Bussiere) participated in the initiative with three digital art works, showcased on the Sino Group Hotel LED front screen.

Renowned global and local artists infused their unique styles and perspectives into murals across Hong Kong’s Central and Western district, with some extending their creativity to areas like Kennedy Town and Tsim Sha Tsui. All the involved areas have been touched by guided tours in English and Cantonese, organised within the project to let local and international public discover the artworks and the values they express as well as the areas of the city which have been enriched and regenerated by their presence.

The programme of the festival was enhanced by art talks, workshops and speeches during which the artists had the chance to share their creative process, their perspective on the role of Street Art in culture-led urban regeneration actions and in the fight against the climate change.

HKWALLS organization collaborated with the EUNIC HK cluster, the Academy of Visual Arts, Hong Kong Baptist University, and IAE (International Art Exchange) to co-organize a community project titled HKWALLS Art Community. This initiative brought together HK Baptist University students and professional street artists from the EU to create vibrant murals that celebrated the cultural exchange between Europe and Hong Kong in the neighbourhood of Sai Ying Pun.

The project provided a platform for young creatives to work alongside experienced street artists, offering them practical experience in public art installation. This collaboration enabled students to enhance their artistic skills, understand the intricacies of public art-making, and contribute to the local community's cultural landscape, all while addressing the theme of Climate Change.

Janet Fong Research Projector

The completed mural is prominently displayed in a public space in Hong Kong, allowing residents and visitors to appreciate the creativity and intercultural dialogue fostered by the project.

The project's success demonstrated the potential for collaborative initiatives that unite students, artists, and communities fostering cultural exchange and enhancing Hong Kong’s vibrant street art scene.

Janet Fong Research Projector