The street art festival HKwalls has been awarded the "Art in the City" prize by Bouygues Construction as part of the France-Hong Kong Grand Prix 2025. Jason Dembski, its founder, reflects on the festival's origins, its impact on the city, and its collaboration with the French art scene. Ten years of commitment to beautifying urban spaces... and fostering a new generation of artists.
Giving Artists a Space for Freedom
How did HKwalls come into being?
I'm simply a big fan of street art and graffiti. I started by documenting what I saw on the streets of Hong Kong, then I met Stan, a local artist, and Maria, my partner. Together, we thought we should create a festival to give artists the opportunity to paint legally. At the time, there were very few opportunities in the city. We wanted to fill that gap. That was in 2014.
Ten Years and Over 300 Works Painted
The "Art in the City" prize recognizes the festival? How do you feel about it?
It's the festival as a whole that's being recognized. I believe it's especially the fact that it has lasted for ten years, that each year we contribute to beautifying the city. It's a beautiful way to say: look at everything we've accomplished since 2014. If we include doors, trucks, ephemeral installations like Hopare's at PMQ this year, we've surpassed 300 works created in Hong Kong. We're very proud of this recognition.
During the Pandemic, We Invested in Sai Kung
What have been the highlights of these ten years?
COVID was obviously a big challenge. In 2020, we had to cancel. In 2021, we organized an edition with only artists based in Hong Kong. As people were rediscovering outdoor spaces, we took the opportunity to hold the festival in Sai Kung, something we'd dreamed of doing for a long time. It was almost like an artistic family reunion. In 2022, again, restrictions were too strong. But since 2023, the festival has continued to grow. The 2025 edition is perhaps the largest we've ever done.
Mixing Artists Every Year
You have a strong international dimension... do some artists return often?
Not so much. We try to mix artists every year. Some do return, like Hopare, who had already come in 2015 and returned this year with an exceptional installation at PMQ. But in general, we favor renewal to keep the festival fresh.
The Alliance Française and the Consulate Support Us
France is very present in your festival. Can you tell us more?
Yes, for years we've worked with consulates and cultural institutions, including the Alliance Française, the Goethe-Institut, the Czech, Italian, Belgian, Irish, and of course French consulates. They help us invite artists from their countries. Sometimes it's joint subsidies, sometimes individual aid. Thanks to them, we can enrich the festival with international talents.
Training the Next Generation of Hong Kong Artists
You're also developing an educational component. What does it involve?
We launched a youth mentorship program in 2021, just after COVID. Established Hong Kong artists mentor young artists for five to six weeks, helping them learn, professionalize, and understand how to move from paper to wall. In the end, the young artists often create their first mural as part of the festival. It's a way to strengthen the local scene.
Exploring New Formats
Hopare's installation at PMQ seems to mark a turning point. Are you considering other formats in the future?
Yes, it was the first time we created such a large work on fabric, rather than on a permanent wall. It pushes us to rethink our approach: perhaps the future of street art also involves the ephemeral, through other materials. We'll always remain in the public space, but without limiting ourselves to paint.
A Dynamic Reinforced by the Grand Prix
Recognition by Bouygues Construction, as part of the France-Hong Kong Grand Prix 2025, marks a new stage for HKwalls. "This prize encourages us to continue our work, but also to forge new links with companies committed to the city. The goal is to create sustainable partnerships, beyond events," emphasizes Jason Dembski.
For her part, Marie-Laure Janson, Human Resources Director of Bouygues Construction in Hong Kong, stated: "Bouygues Construction is proud to sponsor the 'Art in the City' prize, an initiative that redefines Hong Kong's urban landscape through a bold collaboration between HKwalls and French street artists. This initiative embodies our vision and intergenerational commitment, illustrating that true beauty lies in the fusion of art and life within urban space."
Original article in French: Jason Dembski (HKwalls): « Faire de Hong Kong une galerie à ciel ouvert »
L'annuaire 
L'agenda 
