As an experiment for the future, West Kowloon Cultural District ‘Bring Your Own Biennale’ (BYOB) is not a frozen, definitive statement comprised of vacant representations of architecture. It is alive with the engagement of the public. As Marisa Yiu writes, “the most significant is the critical role of the individual, our voice and our independence as creative citizens.” A dialogue between two cities of the Pearl River Delta, Shenzhen and Hong Kong, the Bi-City Biennale (4 December 2009 to 27 February 2010) provoked and questioned the past to aspire for a unique future.

Instant Culture is a documentation and evaluation of the biennale, with collateral debates, events, activities and performative practices over three intensive months. It also envisions possibilities for the West Kowloon Cultural District of Hong Kong and its neighbouring communities.