Hong Kong is a cosmopolitan city and a cultural melting pot, mixing east, west, north and south. There are exotic oriental elements, deep-rooted western culture influenced by a history of colonial rule, South China's Lingnan culture and art, and unique ethnic customs introduced by people from different countries. In Yau Ma Tei, with its liveliness and diversity in customs and lifestyles, the mixture is even more obvious. There are exotic international cuisines, the Banyan Park with its song performers, and communities where Nepalese gather — these elements have drawn many foreign tourists to the district.

Radiating from the Banyan Park one can find many old Chinese tenement buildings, historical relics, and traditional handicrafts. The bustling Reclamation Street Market, the Temple Street stalls and the Jade Market are providing the community with a driving force of opportunities and vitality. The hawkers are noisy but this is authentic Hong Kong style. Shanghai Street has witnessed many ups and downs in the past century; its prime has passed but its accumulation of human and cultural values are forever memorable.

Inside Banyan Park, tall overhanging trees and ancient solemn temples of Tin Hau together create an enchanting backdrop for an urbanised Yau Ma Tei. At this naturally-endowed stage, a series of performances will be unveiled to the public, including naamyam, pop music, percussion, modern dance, and exciting story-telling drama. These will show performing arts and indigenous culture harmoniously and brilliantly blend together, to produce a distinctive radiance for art and culture.

Each night at the Fruit Market, container trucks are seen busily delivering crates of fruits from all over the world. Using these containers as carriers, culture and art nutrients are brought in and gathered together at the interchange point — the Exhibition Venue. The energy of culture and art is emanated to the surrounding districts, allowing culture and art to take roots in every corner of Hong Kong. Yau Ma Tel's diversities and open-mindedness combine and combust, as if on the mahjong table, where tiles from "North East South and West" clash and combine. This time let us meet at West Kowloon with a "Pong!" and a ready-hand! Let us bring about a new cultural impact, and let Art take on a fantastic and new direction.

- Simon GO • Iman FOK