Art Hong Kong, a four-day international art and culture gala, kicked off in Hong Kong on Wednesday, aiming to enhance cultural exchanges between the East and the West.

Under the theme of "Tradition and Modernity," the gala comprises a large-scale art exhibition, an inspiring series of international art forums, an array of community-engaging workshops, masterclasses and daily educational guided tours.

John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region(HKSAR), said in a video speech that the HKSAR government is committed to the development of art and culture and the creative industries so as to strengthen the driving force behind the city's development.

The HKSAR government will map out a blueprint for art and culture and creative industries development and establish a mega art and cultural event fund to promote the staging of more international art and cultural events in Hong Kong, he said.

Mao Chaofeng, chairman of the Bauhinia Culture Group, said at the opening ceremony that Hong Kong has unique advantages in the fields of art and culture. He believes that artists in the city will grasp opportunities, foster art development in a creative manner, and promote cultural exchanges between the East and West.

Lu Xinning, deputy head of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, said at the opening ceremony that Art Hong Kong will help promote the city as an East-meets-West center for cultural exchanges.

Lu said that she hopes Hong Kong can present the beauty of Chinese art and culture to the world, and write a new chapter of the cultural development of the "Pearl of the Orient" in the new era.