PMQ launches Picture Book Library to champion local creative talent

Creative landmark PMQ has unveiled its new Picture Book Library, establishing a year-round cultural sanctuary under the theme "Start from here." The permanent space is designed to bridge the local community and the arts, serving as a dedicated environment for creators and enthusiasts while providing essential breathing room for local creative talent to flourish.

According to Iris Chow, senior director, branding and programmes, PMQ, the launch of the PMQ Picture Book Library this year aims to deepen public appreciation for the art of picture books, while expanding the collective imagination and understanding of what this medium can achieve.

"We have observed that Hong Kong is home to many exceptional picture book authors, alongside a new generation of creators who are actively injecting fresh energy into the local scene. For our inaugural project, 'Start from here', we have specifically invited five creative units from the picture book field to collaborate. Our hope is that through these diverse formats, we can showcase the infinite possibilities that picture books offer," she added.

Centred on distinct themes such as travel, design, animals, and poetry, these five co-creators have personally curated the book selections and designed the spatial layouts to transform the library into a living narrative of their own journeys.

To complement these showcases, the PMQ team has integrated selected gems from its permanent archive of hundreds of books, pairing rare global and local finds with each creator's specific theme to provide readers with a broader horizon for discovery.

The debut exhibition, co-curated by the PMQ team and local author Kinchoi Lam, runs under the theme "The Journey from Stories to Home." The installation looks back at Lam's ten-year creative career and features over 30 picture books from around the world, organised into three distinct geographic and emotional segments.

The experience begins with a double-decker bus installation that transports readers through London, New York, and 1960s Hong Kong, mirroring Lam’s own experience of reading local picture books while abroad to connect with his roots.

The second stop focuses on urban landscapes and public transit, utilising a floor-seating browsing area with classic titles like Father Christmas, The Snowman, and Anno’s Journey, alongside transit-themed works such as Where is Siu Ding, the tram? and I am the Subway.

The journey concludes in a living-room setting furnished with soft rugs and comfortable sofas, where visitors can explore home-centric literature, including Sea Cat Sea Fog by Maoshan Connie and Sadhu the Retriever by Benny Lau.

Each creator’s featured exhibition will last approximately two months and include interactive community programming. The participating artists will occasionally step in as "One-day shop managers" on select dates throughout May and June to engage directly with the public, discuss their creative processes, and share their personal book collections.

Furthermore, each creator will lead a series of extension activities designed for aspiring artists and families, including community sketching, zine-making, communal reading, and story-chain workshops that integrate multiple artistic disciplines.

In response to community feedback, PMQ has also established a permanent pop-up store within the library space. This curated retail venue offers a selection of representative works and exclusive souvenirs from the featured creator, allowing visitors to purchase titles currently on display.

Initial inventory highlights from Lam's collection include published titles such as Star Ferry’s Secret Journey, The Playground of Little Jumbo, and Nomad—Life on the Move, alongside unique collectibles such as custom-designed picnic cloths.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to PMQ for more information.

Mark your calendars for 24 June! #Content360 Hong Kong returns with a dynamic, one-day event dedicated to pivotal trends—from the silver economies to breakthrough IP collaborations, sports, and beyond. Let's dive into the art of curating content with creativity, critical thinking and confidence!

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