Corporate News

Jockey Club extends support for Arts Festival into 41st year

02/21/2013

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has been supporting the Hong Kong Arts Festival (HKAF) since its launch. This year, “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series” features a concert by Lorin Maazel and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, a ballet version of Romeo and Juliet by the American Ballet Theatre, and the opera Einstein on the Beach by Robert Wilson and Philip Glass. In addition, “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Contemporary Dance Series” is a unique platform for local talents to showcase their works. This year will feature 11 gifted choreographers in six innovative new dance works, set to music by local composers.

Today (21 February), Club Deputy Chairman Dr Simon S O Ip joined HKSAR Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, Hong Kong Arts Festival Society Chairman Ronald Arculli and other guests at the opening ceremony of the 41st Hong Kong Arts Festival 2013. The Festival, one of the largest annual arts events in the Asia Pacific region, features 145 performances and arts-related events presented by 49 top local and international performing groups from today until 22 March.

The Club’s Charities Trust has supported the Festival for more than four decades, taking the initiative to enrich the cultural experiences of local audiences and foster the public’s appreciation of arts and culture. To assist the Festival team in planning ahead and securing the participation of leading world-class artistes and ensembles, the Trust introduced a new funding mode in 2008 whereby funds are approved three years in advance. This arrangement provides an average of HK$7 million annually for the Festival to bring in three main pillar programmes for each year’s Festival. One performance of each pillar programme is designated “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series”.

To encourage local students to enjoy top class artistic performances, the Trust also funds two complimentary student matinees. Some 3,200 students will be able to enjoy free special performances of Dance Gala Programme 1 by the American Ballet Theatre on 23 and 24 February. Before attending the ballet, the students will have pre-performance briefings to give them basic knowledge of ballet technique and theatre etiquette, and enrich their understanding of the story and performing group involved.

The Club’s donations to arts and culture have totalled some HK$1.84 billion in the past decade alone. It includes the latest donation to support The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series, partnering the Leisure and Cultural Services Department to bring a number of stunning exhibitions to the public. In addition, the Club has funded various projects to encourage people with disabilities to participate in arts and cultural programmes, such as the creations of an Inclusive Arts Studio and an Arts Accessibility Centre at the Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre.

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.

Photos 1,2,3: Jockey Club Deputy Chairman Dr Simon S O Ip (first row, 3rd left); HKSAR Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying (first row, centre); HKAF Society Chairman Ronald Arculli (first row, 3rd right); Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing (first row, 2nd right); Director of Leisure and Cultural Services Betty Fung (first row, 1st left); HSBC Chief Executive Peter Wong (first row, 2nd left); HKAF Executive Director Tisa Ho (first row, 1st right) and other guests perform the opening ceremony of the 41st Hong Kong Arts Festival 2013.
Photos 1,2,3: Jockey Club Deputy Chairman Dr Simon S O Ip (first row, 3rd left); HKSAR Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying (first row, centre); HKAF Society Chairman Ronald Arculli (first row, 3rd right); Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing (first row, 2nd right); Director of Leisure and Cultural Services Betty Fung (first row, 1st left); HSBC Chief Executive Peter Wong (first row, 2nd left); HKAF Executive Director Tisa Ho (first row, 1st right) and other guests perform the opening ceremony of the 41st Hong Kong Arts Festival 2013.



Jockey Club Deputy Chairman Dr Simon S O Ip (2nd left); HKAF Society Chairman Ronald Arculli (1st left); Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing (1st right) and HSBC Chief Executive Peter Wong (2nd right).
Jockey Club Deputy Chairman Dr Simon S O Ip (2nd left); HKAF Society Chairman Ronald Arculli (1st left); Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing (1st right) and HSBC Chief Executive Peter Wong (2nd right).

(From left) Jockey Club Deputy Chairman Dr Simon S O Ip; Director of Leisure and Cultural Services Betty Fung and Jockey Club Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So.
(From left) Jockey Club Deputy Chairman Dr Simon S O Ip; Director of Leisure and Cultural Services Betty Fung and Jockey Club Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So.

(From right) Jockey Club Deputy Chairman Dr Simon S O Ip; Jockey Club Steward Dr Eric Li Ka Cheung and HKAF Society Programme Committee Member Wing-pong Tam
(From right) Jockey Club Deputy Chairman Dr Simon S O Ip; Jockey Club Steward Dr Eric Li Ka Cheung and HKAF Society Programme Committee Member Wing-pong Tam

Visually-impaired students from Ebenezer School join pre-performance briefing and complimentary student matinee for the first time.
Visually-impaired students from Ebenezer School join pre-performance briefing and complimentary student matinee for the first time.

Other Corporate News