Arts election lays bare Hong Kong censorship fears

Hong Kong officials say they want the city to become a world-class international arts hub but critics wonder if local artists can survive, let alone thrive, in the current climate. This picture shows a visitor sitting in front of a painting by Chinese artist Zhang Xiaogang titled 'Big Family No.17-1998' from the 'Bloodline Series' at the M art museum in Hong Kong. Photo: AFP

Three years after his failed first attempt, Chinese painter Zhao Zhijun got what he wanted: an elected role to influence Hong Kong's arts industry at a time when free expression is being stifled by Beijing.

"I don't think art should be mixed up with politics," said Zhao, a native of the autonomous Inner Mongolia region of China who settled in Hong Kong and retains close ties with Beijing's tightly controlled artistic establishment.