Hong Kong's 'art tech' push means more AI, VR and NFTs but a lack of creative spark

When she launched the Microwave Video Festival, in 1996, Hong Kong artist and independent curator Ellen Pau had to assure her backers at the city's municipal council that she would avoid the most sophisticated media art from other parts of the world. You can tell from the wording of the original press release, in which she was quoted as saying that the festival would bring "simply produced, yet creative" videos that were "relatable" and "inspiring" to local people. "There was definitely a nervousness about new media and using technology in the arts at the Urban Council," she says. "For the festival to go ahead, I felt it was safer to reassure officials that we wouldn't overwhelm the audience with feats of computing and engineering. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.