Chinachem Group (“CCG”) and the French May Arts Festival (“French May”) celebrated their fifth year of strategic partnership with a vibrant opening ceremony at Central Market today, reinforcing their shared commitment to enriching Hong Kong’s cultural landscape, fostering cohesive community engagement, and driving commercial vitality. The 2025 programme, spanning May and June, will bring world-class French arts and gastronomy to CCG’s retail, hospitality, and public spaces, demonstrating how cultural investments can simultaneously elevate social well-being and economic opportunities.

“Chinachem X French May” with Shared Vision

The opening ceremony, officiated by Andy Cheung, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Chinachem Group; Christile Drulhe, Consul-General of France in Hong Kong and Macau; and Mignonne Cheng, Co-chairman of the Board of French May Arts Festival, set the tone for this year’s festivities with a Hong Kong debut performance by Cie Racines Carrées (“CRC”). The acclaimed French contemporary dance troupe, under the artistic direction of Nabil Ouelhadj, mesmerised guests with "Trampoline X Hip Hop"—a groundbreaking fusion of hip hop dynamism and the French acrobatics performed on trampolines. The performance exemplified the partnership’s dual focus on artistic excellence and accessibility.  Over 100 attendees were captivated by this breathtaking preview before exploring the French GourMay Market.

Andy Cheung underscored the partnership’s impact in his welcome remarks, “Our collaboration with French May demonstrates how cultural enrichment, community engagement, and commercial success can thrive in unison. Over the past four years, we’ve proven that arts and gastronomy do more than elevate Hong Kong’s cultural scene; they create vibrant, inclusive spaces where businesses and communities flourish together.  By integrating arts into our properties, we strengthen connections while enhancing value for our tenants and hospitality partners.”

Christile Drulhe emphasised the initiative’s role in fostering cultural exchange, “Through artistic performances and gastronomic events curated with Chinachem Group, we bring the richness of French culture to Hong Kong’s doorstep.  This longstanding partnership goes beyond entertainment, it sparks meaningful cross-cultural dialogue and unites communities, embodying our shared commitment to openness and inclusivity.”

Mignonne Cheng highlighted the initiative’s broader social mission, adding, "Our partnership with Chinachem Group reflect French May's vision of bridging art, education, and gastronomy. Together, we champion creativity and collaboration, enriching Hong Kong's cultural landscape while offering the public immersive encounters with France’s vibrant heritage."

2025 Programme Highlights: Culture, Commerce, and Community in Harmony

This year’s programme seamlessly blends artistic excellence, social cohesion, and commercial activation across CCG’s properties, reinforcing the partnership’s role as a catalyst for cultural exchange. The overview of the “Chinachem x French May” collaboration is as follows:

French Gastronomy Takes Centre Stage

The French GourMay Markets return with their "Spirits UP" theme, transforming Central Market (1-5 May) and NINA MALL (6-8 June) into bustling epicentres of French culinary artistry. Visitors can indulge in premium spirit tastings featuring cognacs, Armagnac, and rums, and savour the classic French crêpes at the live cooking station. Artisanal stalls offer gourmet cheeses, charcuterie, and patisseries, while a stamp collection programme incentivises shoppers with exclusive French-inspired souvenirs. The markets not only celebrate gastronomic traditions but also drive foot traffic to CCG’s retail destinations, creating a win-win for cultural enthusiasts and commercial stakeholders.

"Trampoline X Hip Hop" Hong Kong Debut – Redefining Acrobatics Arts

The CRC dance troupe’s "Trampoline X Hip Hop" performances will captivate audiences at Central Market (3, 4, 10 May), NINA MALL (11, 17, 18 May), and D•PARK (23, 24 May) with 16 shows in May. This initiative, blending acrobatics, hip-hop, and theatrical storytelling, reimagines French acrobatics traditions for contemporary audiences. By staging CRC’s Hong Kong debut programme in CCG’s retail spaces in Central and Tsuen Wan, the partnership democratises access to avant-garde art while creating spontaneous moments of connection amid daily commerce. The programme demonstrates how cultural programming can enhance placemaking, drawing diverse crowds and supporting tenant visibility.

Dance Workshops – Inspiring Creativity with Community Engagement

A series of 8 complimentary workshops led by CRC artists at Central Market (3, 4, 10 May), NINA MALL (11, 17,18 May), and D•PARK (23, 24 May) will invite participants of all ages and skill levels to explore movement and creativity. These sessions, designed to foster community engagement, social cohesion and art appreciation, align with CCG’s commitment to community well-being. By offering free access to professional instruction, the initiative ensures cultural enrichment extends beyond traditional audiences, reinforcing the partnership’s social impact goals.

Free Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/chinachem-group-celebrates-french-may-4243223

A Taste of France at Nina Hospitality

Throughout May, Nina Hospitality will immerse guests in French culinary indulgence, blending cultural celebration with business opportunities. The two I-O-N at Nina Hotel Kowloon East and Nina Hotel Island South will enhance its buffet menus with French-inspired dishes, while RÚ, the flagship Chinese Restaurant in Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West will debut the “Prestigious Experience Dinner Menu” featuring a curated selection of four fine pours. The Nina Patisserie will offer classic delicacies like Opera and Napoleon alongside palmier and macarons.  These initiatives not only elevate guest experiences but also showcase how cultural themes can drive brand differentiation and opportunities for business growth.

“Trampoline Programme” for Youth Development

This June, CCG and French May will partner with a local gymnastics studio to offer complimentary trampoline training workshops for Tsuen Wan youth. Designed to promote social inclusivity, the programme helps youth improve fitness, develop sports skills and positive thinking while fostering community engagement and nurturing youth development.

Final Thoughts: A Blueprint for Impact-Driven Partnerships

The collaboration between CCG and French May is a testament to show how strategic cultural investments can enrich urban life, unite communities, and stimulate commerce. By reimagining retail spaces as cultural incubators and hospitality venues as artistic salons, the partnership sets a benchmark for placemaking that prioritises both people and economic vitality. As the 2025 programme unfolds, it reaffirms the transformative power of uniting art, business, and social purpose.

For full programme details, please check out here.