Flower Blossoming Action

(Flowers blossoming today will bear fruits tomorrow)

Kai fongs (neighbors) of the Sham Shui Po K20 – K23 urban renewal district gathered on Sunday, 6th of April to create a large temporary artwork at the corner of Castle Peak Road and Cheung Wah Street. The artwork was a collective expression of hope for a shared future. This action was in direct response to the critical issues involving the redevelopment of the K20 – K23  urban renewal district (Castle Peak Road, Un Chau Street, Fuk Wing Street, Cheung Wah Street, Hing Wah Street). The temporary artwork, made entirely of removable adhesive tape, showcased drawings of different shops and storefronts directly threatened by the redevelopment. Over 50 neighbors participated.

The drawings were made on an existing building that has been proposed by the kai fongs as a new home for the shops displaced by the redevelopment plan. Residents of the neighborhood and friends from other districts were invited to participate in the creation of the mural, and the media and legislators were also invited to join them. The artwork remained until [WHEN?] was then removed by the kai fongs. The neighbors currently await a response by the government about the fate of their wish to stay at the district, which directly affects the livelihood of those involved with this project.

We were extremely moved to be included in this project by such a close-knit, focused community group. We learned so much about smart community organization, hope, and perseverance. Regardless of the outcome of redevelopment plan, the kai fongs have demonstrated the power of creativity and collective action.