Lasting Legacies

Hong Kong's cultural landscape just got a boost thanks to a new partnership between WestK Performing Arts and Rolex

- By Zabrina Lo

For more than 50 years, Rolex has partnered with some of the world's top performers and cultural institutions to celebrate artistic excellence in the worlds of opera, classical music, ballet and more through the Rolex Perpetual Arts Initiative. At first glance, there may not be an obvious connection between xiqu, or Chinese opera, and the historic watch brand, but Maxim Lamarre, CEO of Rolex Greater China, thinks otherwise.

In June, Rolex announced a new partnership with WestK Performing Arts, highlighting its support of Chinese opera, among other art forms—the first time the programme has expanded to traditional Chinese arts.

"This collaboration represents Rolex's profound respect for the traditions of Chinese performing arts, particularly the timeless heritage of Chinese opera, a cultural treasure refined over centuries," Lamarre said at the press conference when the announcement was made. "Through this partnership, Rolex is proud to play a role in preserving these traditions while reimagining them for the modern world, inspiring both today's audiences and tomorrow's visionaries."

Paul Tam, head of performing arts at West Kowloon, says, "Chinese opera has always [had] an image issue—[that] it's only for your grandmas and granddads. With Rolex showing interest in Chinese opera, I think, just by the name association, [this new partnership] could be the entry point for a whole new world of new audiences."