From design fairs to gallery openings, workshops and parties—there is always a smorgasbord of events to entice design and cultural connoisseurs in this city. Our editors highlight a few of our favourites:
Le French May 2019
Every May, the city finds itself awash with a certain joie de vivre—no surprise, given that Le French May, the annual two-month-long extravaganza and the city’s biggest celebration of French culture and savoir-faire finally raises its curtain.
Titled Voyage, this year’s 27th edition features some 120 performances, gastronomy offerings, films and exhibitions that set to transport audiences through space and time, cultures, East and West.
Highlights include the exhibition Interior design styles from around the world (May 30) that traces aesthetics from Scandinavian to mid-century and Japanese-inspired; Legend of the 20th century art : Niki de Saint Phalle (May 5 - June 2) where the French-born artist showcases her technicolour whimsical world; the Benjamin Millepied-choreographed performance Bach Studies—I fall, I flow, I melt (May 3, 4); and masterpieces of Berlioz performed by the renowned Paris Mozart Orchestra (May 7, 8, 9).
May 1 to June 30. Various venues. frenchmay.com
Affordable Art Fair
The fan-favourite art fair returns for a 7th edition to showcase a stunning collection of fresh, contemporary artworks by established names as well as a host of emerging first-time exhibiting artists, including Beijing-born Qiurui Du, Swiss video installation artist Marck, London-born artist Andy Burgess, with all works are priced between HK$1,000 and $100,000.
A packed three-day programme also includes workshops and talks at the Creative Hub, art tours and large-scale installations.
May 17 to 19. Hall 3DE, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wanchai. affordableartfair.com
TEDxHSUHK
With an eco-conscious focus, this year’s TEDxHSUHK brings together a host of Hong Kong’s eco-champions from various backgrounds and professions who will share their insights for a more green and integrated society.
Speakers include former rugby player and Hong Kong National Team representative, Andre Chambers, whose apparel company Tsunami Sport has become a driver behind changing the textile industry’s environmental impact; Ian Fong, founder of Cuffs which is a modern take on the traditional tailor shop; award-winning Hong Kong singer-songwriter Jonathan Wong and Special Olympics athlete Sam Tam.
May 18. The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, Hang Shin Lane, Siu Lek Yuen, Shatin. eventbrite.hk
Audrey by Bob Willoughby
There have been few stars that have eclipsed the one of iconic Hollywood actress Audrey Hepburn. And this year, which marks the 90th anniversary of the actress’s birth as well as the 10th year of famed photographer Bob Willoughby’s passing—who was behind the lens of many of Hepburn’s photographs—a comprehensive collection of 90 special photographs of Audrey Hepburn will be showcased in Hong Kong for the first time.
This special collection is carefully curated Douglas So, Founder and Director of F11 Foto Museum with the help of Bob’s son, Christopher. Captured within these works are many private moments of Hepburn behind the scenes on her film sets, stills from her best-known films as well as intimate moments shared between her pets during the 1950s, 1960s era. This is an unmissable exhibit for Audrey fans or cinephiles alike.
Until July 27. F11 Foto Museum, 11 Yuk Sau Street, Happy Valley. F11.com
