ArtisTree 2023 Year in Review: 6 Impactful Moments to Look Back On

ArtisTree set the stage for a big year of celebrating impact, purpose and creativity. Through the numerous events that were hosted and held inside Taikoo Place’s “Black Box” space, art, allowed us to reflect on the meaning of human existence in the world, and celebrate Hong Kong’s unique “can-do” spirit with the community. Meanwhile, partnerships allowed us to applaud and appreciate the city’s burgeoning fashion talents, explore ways to feed the future more sustainably, and support local youth while activating our team spirit.

As we gear up for the 2024 programme ahead, let’s look back at some of these memorable highlights that showcase the extraordinary versatility of ArtisTree.

MARCH: Meditating on the planet’s changes

ArtisTree Selects: Urban Rocks

As part of our Swire Properties Arts Month in March, Hong Kong-based French artist Polo Bourieau crafted 12 bespoke original stone sculptures in ArtisTree Selects: Urban Rocks – marking his largest solo exhibition to date. Inspired by Chinese scholars’ rocks, Bourieau’s hand-chiselled forms explored the meaning of human existence and metaphorically portrays the impact we make on the modern world.

JUNE: Placing the spotlight on Taikoo Place tenants

PROJECT AFTER 6: Mou Man Tai

The first PROJECT AFTER 6 musical project returned this June. A cast of 33 talents from the office community, including a handful of executives from Taikoo Place’s tenant offices, took part in the new original musical comedy titled Mou Man Tai, which translated moments of Hong Kong minutiae into a humorous storyline that celebrated the city’s spirit. Writer and director extraordinaire Lindsey McAlister once again led the production of this crowd pleaser, along with BAFTA- and Emmy-winning composer Nick Harvey, who composed 14 original songs for this occasion. Complete with a set designed representing the heart of Hong Kong – think neon lights and charming, nostalgic motifs and items, like the ever-recognisable hot water carafe – the heart-warming musical still has audiences humming and tapping their feet today.

JULY: Providing a platform for local talent

THEi Graduate Fashion Show

In July, ArtisTree transformed its versatile space into a world class runway where the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) hosted its graduate fashion show for its latest cohort. 12 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Fashion Design graduates debuted their innovative pieces, presenting the latest possibilities in fashion aesthetic and innovative textile technology – a testament to how versatile the space can be for every artistic discipline.

AUGUST: Revving up for lower emissions

Lamborghini Revuelto Launch

Convincing us of the importance of sustainability in our future, legendary Italian marque Lamborghini unveiled its first-ever plug-in hybrid supercar in a thrilling presentation at ArtisTree (itself sporting a new look for the event) in August. Hong Kong gearheads got a first peek at the Revuelto’s groundbreaking, naturally aspirated V12 engine combined with three electric motors, and its innovative new carbon fiber chassis.

NOVEMBER: Pedalling for charity

Corporate Wellness Challenge: 8-Hour Charity Spin

The return of the annual 8-Hour Charity Spin event surely topped off any show of team spirit this year – while ArtisTree was turned into a vibrant and energetic spinning arena for the adrenaline-pumping event. As part of the Taikoo Place Wellness Series, over 300 riders from 12 Taikoo Place office tenant teams took part in the eight-hour relay race, putting their cardio levels to the test as they kept the wheels turning for a good cause. A donation of over HK$310,000 (including HK$150,000 as contribution from Swire Properties) was made to support InspiringHK Sports Foundation, providing sports development to Hong Kong youths, while the day was filled with plenty of spirited sportsmanship among colleagues and soothing sports therapy provided by Joint Dynamics.

NOVEMBER: Taste-testing future cuisine

Tong Chong Street Market: The Great Farm Feast

In November, Tong Chong Street Market’s annual sustainable dining event, The Great Farm Feast: Savouring the Earth, ushered in two evenings celebrating the frontier of sustainable fine dining. ArtisTree took on the form of a cosmic “space centre”, provided fresh food for thought in conscious cooking through featuring trailblazing Chef Analiese Gregory and Luke Burgess from Tasmania, who curated menus using the finest Hong Kong and Tasmanian ingredients.

Stay tuned for more thought-provoking programmes coming to ArtisTree in 2024!