Hong Kong art and cultural events postponed as toll from deadly blaze climbs

Several art and cultural events have been postponed after a fire tore through a residential block in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district last week.

Hong Kong officials said in a statement Tuesday that the death toll had climbed to 156 after more bodies were recovered. The blaze, which started on November 26, is now considered among the deadliest building fires in the city’s history.

Emergency crews said the maze-like layout hindered evacuations and contributed to the high death toll. Officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire and the safety conditions inside the building, as families wait for victims to be identified.

Investigators have said the fire began in scaffolding netting and protective coverings around the buildings in place as part of ongoing renovation work. They allege the mesh used failed fire-safety standards, while flammable insulation materials further accelerated the spread.

Hong Kong police have so far arrested a total of 15 people linked to the renovation work on suspicion of manslaughter as public outcry in the wake of the deadly blaze grows.

The government has declared a citywide mourning period, and many public and cultural events have been cancelled or postponed.

M+, one of the world's largest museums of modern and contemporary visual culture, said in a statement on its website that it had postponed its M+ at Night: Festive Play event with further details still to be announced. The event, which had been scheduled for Friday, was slated to have live musical performances and stand-up comedy with art activities.

“Come revel in M+ at Night and leave with your expectations turned upside down—this isn’t your typical museum visit!” the event had advertised. “Set aside the stress of work and the clutter of daily life. Sip on wine, enjoy moments with friends, or strike up a spontaneous conversation with someone new. Discover a whole different side of the museum.”

And a holiday music and tree-lighting event co-presented by the Hong Kong Jockey Club and Tai Kwun, the city’s major heritage and contemporary art center, that was scheduled for Monday has also been postponed. That event, titled “The Gift of Music,” is part of broader holiday programming presented by the organizations.

“The tragedy of the Tai Po fire weighs heavy on all of our hearts,” Tai Kwun said in a statement, adding that the event was postponed “out of deep respect for the community.”

It was not immediately clear if its “Gift of Night” celebration, another event in the programming scheduled for Thursday, would also be postponed.

And the Hong Kong Arts Festival issued a statement expressing its “deepest condolences” to the families of those affected by the fire.

“We are deeply grateful to the frontline workers for their courage and unwavering dedication,” the statement reads. “Our thoughts are with the entire community as we all stand together in this time of sorrow and honour the memories of those who lost their lives.”

As reported by Artnet News, the Hong Kong Arts Festival and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust cancelled a Tuesday press conference for its “No Limits” program.