As the first of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series, “The Wonders of Ancient Mesopotamia” exhibition will be showcased from tomorrow until 13 May at the Hong Kong Museum of History. Jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Trustees of the British Museum, the exhibition offers a comprehensive view of the Mesopotamian civilisation.
Solely sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the exhibition was opened today (29 January) by Club Deputy Chairman Dr Simon S O Ip, along with Chief Secretary for Administration Carrie Lam, British Consul General to Hong Kong and Macao Caroline Wilson, Deputy Director of the British Museum Dr Andrew Burnett, Director of International Engagement of the British Museum Philip Marshall, Director of Leisure and Cultural Services Betty Fung and Chief Curator of the Hong Kong Museum of History Susanna Siu as the officiating guests.
Dr Ip said it was a true privilege for the Jockey Club to be the Sole Sponsor of “The Wonders of Ancient Mesopotamia”, the first time that this stunning collection of artefacts from one of the world’s greatest ancient cultures would be seen in Asia. “The Mesopotamia Exhibition is the first of two ground-breaking exhibitions being brought to Hong Kong in 2013, as part of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series. A three-year partnership has been established between the Jockey Club Charities Trust and the LCSD to support two to three exhibitions each year, with an annual budget of HK$17 million,” he told the guests. “The funding means that we can bring these exhibitions to Hong Kong and it also helps to cover related expenses for educational and outreach programmes for the entire community.”
In thanking the Trust for its support, Mrs Lam said, “This exhibition under The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series signifies the Trust’s strong support for our museums and commitment to the promotion of art and culture in Hong Kong.”
In addition to sponsoring the Mesopotamia exhibition, the Trust’s donation to LCSD covers the current Andy Warhol Art Appreciation Programme and the upcoming The Splendours of Imperial Costume: Qing Court Attire in late July 2013.
The Club has long been committed to the development of arts and culture in the city. Over the past decade, donations through its Charities Trust to arts and culture development have totalled HK$1.84 billion. The Club has also helped bring a number of hugely popular exhibitions to the public in recent years. The most prominent are River of Wisdom - Animated Version of the Riverside Scene at Qing Ming Festival, PICASSO – Masterpieces from Musee National Picasso Paris, A Lofty Retreat from the Red Dust: The Secret Garden of Emperor Qianlong, as well as The Majesty of All Under Heaven: The Eternal Realm of China’s First Emperor which broke the attendance record for a thematic exhibition held at the Hong Kong Museum of History.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is not only one of the world's leading horse racing organisations but also a world top 15 charitable organisation and Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.7 billion in 2012. It is also a major taxpayer, Hong Kong's single largest by far, generating over HK$16 billion a year for public funds. The Club pioneers technology applications for sporting and betting entertainment, striving for the highest levels of customer service. As a membership club, it is recognised as one of Asia’s most prestigious, with more than 23,000 members. These multifaceted roles make it a well-respected and remarkable organisation, dedicated to its mission of enhancing the quality of life for all Hong Kong people.
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Club Deputy Chairman Dr Simon S O Ip says it is a true privilege for the Jockey Club to be the Sole Sponsor of a£į?The Wonders of Ancient Mesopotamiaa£į?.
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Chief Secretary for Administration Carrie Lam says this exhibition under The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series signifies the Trusta£į?s strong support for museums and commitment to the promotion of art and culture in Hong Kong.
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Club Deputy Chairman Dr Simon S O Ip (3rd left), along with Chief Secretary for Administration Carrie Lam (centre), British Consul General to Hong Kong and Macao Caroline Wilson (3rd right), Deputy Director of the British Museum Dr Andrew Burnett (2nd right), Director of International Engagement of the British Museum Philip Marshall (1st left), Director of Leisure and Cultural Services Betty Fung (2nd left) and Chief Curator of the Hong Kong Museum of History Susanna Siu (1st right) officiate at the opening ceremony.
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Photos 4/5/6/7:
Curator of the Middle East Department of the British Museum Sarah Collins (photo 4, 1st left) introduces the exhibits to Club Deputy Chairman Dr Simon S O Ip (photo 4, 3rd left), Chief Secretary for Administration Carrie Lam (photo 4, 4th left), Club Steward The Hon Sir C K Chow (photo 4, 2nd left), the Cluba£į?s Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So (photo 4, 2nd right) and other guests.
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