The rich and diverse contemporary art and cultural scenes on the continent of Africa remain
relatively unknown to the Chinese public, in spite of the importance of the economic and
political relationships between China and many African countries. Art can be a powerful tool
in facilitating greater knowledge and understanding by opening up avenues for engagement
and debate on global social and political dynamics.
The KT Wong Foundation has contributed to the conversation on art and cultural exchange
between Africa and China for over eight years and this year sees two ground-breaking
initiatives that further deepen the important cultural exchanges and partnerships between
Africa and China.
In collaboration with the Beijing Music Festival, the KT Wong Foundation is bringing
Gershwin’s much-loved opera, Porgy and Bess to the 27th Beijing Music Festival in October,
2024 – the first time this work will be performed in China. Pioneered by the KT Wong
Foundation and co-produced by the prestigious Beijing Music Festival and Cape Town
Opera, Gershwin’s opera will be performed with fifty members of the Cape Town Opera
company. This high-profile event is a milestone in the history of the Festival and
demonstrates the deepening of Sino-African cultural partnerships.
In addition, the next project Marvellous Realism is a significant, powerful and ambitious
contemporary African photography exhibition curated by renowned British – Ghanian curator,
Ekow Eshun.
These two events celebrate the growing cultural ties and understanding between Africa and
China. They are a must see.
My grateful thanks to Maestro Yu Long and Lady Davies for their vision in conceiving,
supporting and promoting these two important events.
The Right Honourable, Baroness Valerie Amos, LG, CH, PC
