A pro-independence arts and crafts studio famous for its “Hong Kong is not China” designs will halt operations when its lease ends in March, but its founder has pledged to continue his creative work.
Local Studio HK announced on Facebook on Monday that it was too hard to find a new location for its operations, while it also faced financial pressures because of high rent and low revenue.
“I will therefore halt all operations of the studio beginning in March. I am currently packing and moving the items and clearing out the inventory.”
“After a period of rest, I will go back into creative work, and will be ready to implement new design concepts.”
Established three years ago, Local Studio HK created various pro-independence-themed artwork and items adopted by supporters in the city.
In 2015, the studio created a set of images contrasting political life in the city before and after the 1997 transfer of sovereignty. It also created a set of passport holders for the “Republic of Hong Kong.”
See also: In Pictures: A pro-independence artist’s view of Hong Kong as a colony – before and after 1997
Its “Hong Kong is not China” banner has been displayed in demonstrations, and notably in the Legislative Council during the October 2016 oath-taking ceremony of legislators Baggio Leung and Yau Wai-ching, who were subsequently disqualified from office.
The studio’s products have been sold both in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
HKFP has contacted Local Studio HK for comment.
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