Photo of Loretta Lau. Used with permission. While Central Europe is well aware of the situation in China-occupied Tibet, it is less familiar with abuses of human rights and freedom of expression in Hong Kong. But one Hong Kong “artivist” and performer is determined to change this. Loretta Lau is a performance artist, art curator, and activist originally from British Hong Kong who relocated to Prague in 2018 to pursue her master's degree. She is the director of the non-profit NGO DEI which promotes artivism. Lau's performances and works have been seen and exhibited across Europe. Global Voices interviewed her to understand how her work is taking root in Central Europe and how local audiences are becoming more aware of Hong Kong and China in relation to political freedoms. The interview took place in English over email and has been edited for style and length. Screenshot from Forum 2000 YouTube channel showing GV editor Arzu Geybulla interviewing Loretta Lau. Filip Noubel (FN): More and more Hong-Kongers find themselves forced to live outside of Hong-Kong, mostly because of censorship, threats, and loss of jobs. Some, like Photon Media, regroup in Taiwan and continue their work. What are the main challenges of remaining an activist while being unable to return to Hong Kong? Loretta Lau (LL): As an exile political performer, I have dedicated four years to support the Hong Kong protest movement. This immersive experience has granted me a profound insight into the challenges faced by activists who are unable to return to Hong Kong. During my recent three-month visit to submit a letter for the #ReturnThePillar [symbol of the June 4th 1989 massacre of students on Tiananmen Square in Beijing] campaign at Hong Kong University, I personally witnessed the condemnation and scrutiny from the Hong Kong SAR Government. One of the major hurdles I encounter is the deepening division and erosion of trust between individuals in Hong Kong and Hongkongers residing abroad. The physical separation has exacerbated this divide, making it increasingly arduous to bridge the gap and foster unity within the movement. Without the opportunity for face-to-face interactions and shared experiences, misunderstandings and disagreements regarding strategies and priorities became more prevalent. The implementation of the National Security Law further exacerbated this division. The law instilled an atmosphere of fear and suspicion, with concerns of collusion with foreign forces being leveraged to suppress dissent. This atmosphere of mistrust deepened the divide, as Hong Kong residents questioned the motives and intentions of activists abroad, apprehensive that their actions might inadvertently harm those who still reside in the city. The trust deficit and division within the Hong Kong community significantly impact activism, impeding the formation of cohesive fronts and coordinated efforts. Rebuilding trust through open dialogue, empathy, and a shared vision becomes paramount for exile activists. FN: Central Europe is opening up to dissident art from China and Hong Kong — as with the cartoonist Badiucao in Prague and now the latest issue with his exhibition in Warsaw. In what way is political artivism by Chinese and Hong Kong artists making a difference in reshaping narratives about those places in Central Europe? LL: Having personally witnessed the Badiucao exhibition at DOX [private modern art museum in Prague] last year, I feel an immense sense of pride in being part of a movement that harnesses the power of political artivism to challenge oppressive narratives. These remarkable artistic endeavors not only illuminate human rights abuses but also serve as a catalyst for cultural diplomacy, fostering understanding and promoting dialogue between Central Europe and China/Hong Kong. Through their thought-provoking artworks, artists like Badiucao fearlessly confront sensitive topics such as the Tiananmen Square massacre, the plight of Uyghurs, the erosion of freedom in Hong Kong, and China's aggressive foreign policies. By skillfully depicting these issues in their art, they courageously challenge prevailing narratives and ignite discussions on human rights and political freedoms. This form of artistic activism acts as a potent vehicle for cultural diplomacy, raising awareness and inspiring cross-cultural dialogue on pressing global concerns. Furthermore, these exhibitions facilitate meaningful cultural exchange and nurture mutual understanding. They provide a unique opportunity for audiences in Central Europe to delve deeply into the struggles faced by dissident artists in China and Hong Kong. This engagement not only fosters cultural understanding but also cultivates empathy and solidarity that transcend geographical boundaries.