'Fund committee for mega events always open and fair'
The government said on Friday the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Committee is always open and fair when reviewing fund applications. This followed questions raised about the "Chubby Hearts Hong Kong" campaign. The installation, created by British designer Anya Hindmarch, is supported by the government's Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund. The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau said funding for the project totalled HK$7.8 million. David Webb, a share market analyst, has questioned the cost of the campaign and pointed to a possible conflict of interest between Hindmarch and the fund committee's chairman, Adrian Cheng. "I can't help noticing that Ms Hindmarch also has a shop in 'K11 Musea' in Kowloon, which makes her a tenant of New World Development, your [Cheng] family's company," he wrote on social media. Responding to media inquiries, the bureau said all committee members, including Cheng, had strictly followed relevant mechanisms and declared their interests. It said the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Committee is an advisory body of the government, and it looks at management skills, technical feasibility and financial planning when reviewing applications. The authorities added that applicants must perform their responsibilities as stated in the agreement and submit a report at the end of the event, and will only receive the funding afterwards. Under the "Chubby Hearts Hong Kong" campaign, heart-shaped balloons began appearing in various districts in Hong Kong from February 14. Organisers said it attracted more than 65,000 people on the first day, exceeding expectations.