Joint Statement

This is a joint statement made by Ms Ellen Pau, Chairman of Film and Media Art Group of Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC) and Ms Caroline Ha Thuc, independent Curator of The 5^th Large-Scale Public Media Art Exhibition themed “Human Vibrations” (the Exhibition) presented by HKADC.

We regret to announce that the work “Our 60-second friendship begins now” (now titled “Countdown Machine” (2016)) created by artists Mr Sampson Wong and Mr Jason Lam would no longer be part of the Exhibition.

The original work titled “Our 60-second friendship begins now” created by Mr Sampson Wong and Mr Jason Lam was selected and recommended by the independent Curator Ms Caroline Ha Thuc, endorsed by the Advisory Committee of the Exhibition chaired by Ms Ellen Pau.

After the opening ceremony of the Exhibition held on 18 May 2016, the artists changed the title and statement of their work, and publicised these changes, without consulting the curator nor HKADC.

Carrying out an exhibition, or a festival, is a teamwork based on confidence between the artists, the curator, the institutions and partners who are supporting the project. We trust there exists a mutual respect between HKADC, the curator, artists and collaboration partners, and such respect is coupled with professional practice. We do believe in the freedom of artistic expression, and do support our artists.

Yet, the disrespect demonstrated by Mr Sampson Wong and Mr Jason Lam against the original agreement and understanding made with the curator and HKADC is jeopardizing our profession and put at risk any future possibility to work further in the public space.