Club funds cultural project to bring new life to old districts

23 January 2010

Central and Sheung Wan are districts with sharp contrast - grade-A offices intermingled with century-old stores, dai pai dongs and traditional handicraft shops, which bring out the unique localised cultural characteristics of the area.  To give the public a better understanding of the districts in terms of culture and creativity, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has donated nearly HK$4 million to HULU Culture to organise "Heritage x Art x Design Walk" (HAD Walk).  At the opening ceremony today (23 January), Club Steward Stephen Ip was joined by Convenor of the Non-official Members of the Executive Council, C Y Leung; Chairman of HULU Culture Dr Ng Chun Hung and its Board member Andrew Lam.

Mr Ip noted that the Club had played a crucial role in the city's evolution.  It had put much effort into promoting local arts development, as well as supporting the creative industry and various revitalisation projects over the years.  He emphasised that conservation should include both tangible and intangible heritage, which was why the Club had decided to support HAD Walk.  "Through this project, artists can materialise their imaginative ideas and give a new life to a historic building, the former Police Married Quarters," he explained.  "At the same time the public can enjoy art works and designs, and contribute to preserving the local heritage through such interaction."

Organised by HULU Culture, HAD Walk takes place from today to 13 March 2010 at the former Police Married Quarters on Hollywood Road.  The main exhibition showcases works by 12 talented young artists featuring the buildings and their character, cultural development and history, as well as old shops in the district.  In the courtyard, a matshed theatre, made of bamboo and decorated with the red lamps commonly used by butchers, has been constructed to illustrate a cross-over of the local culture.

A series of design workshops, cultural tours, talks and performances is also being staged to give participants a better understanding of their roots and history, and an opportunity to reconnect with their local communities.  Further details of "Heritage x Art x Design WALK" can be found at www.huluhk.org/had.

125th Anniversary of The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is celebrating its 125th Anniversary in 2009/10 season.  Over the past 125 years, it has become one of Hong Kong's best known and respected organisations, providing the public with world-class sporting entertainment as well as being the city's major non-Government community benefactor, now donating more than HK$1 billion a year to charitable and community projects.  It has been a part of Hong Kongthrough good times and bad, sharing the city's growth and development with its people, and is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for future generations.