Jockey Club-supported Dunhuang relic exhibition showcases cultural treasures

23/08/2022 20:19

The Dunhuang Caves are widely renowned as being one of the largest and most historically important Buddhist art relics in the world. A selection of exquisite artworks from Dunhuang will be displayed at "The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Dunhuang: Enchanting Tales for Millennium" exhibition at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum from 24 August until 21 November. Exclusively sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club, the exhibition is one of many initiatives supported by the Club's approved donation of HK$630 million to the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR.

The exhibition's opening ceremony was held today (23 August). Club Chairman Philip Chen joined Chief Secretary for Administration Chan Kwok-ki, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung, Chairman of the Museum Advisory Committee Stanley Wong, Vice Chairperson of the Friends of Dunhuang (Hong Kong) Lee Mei-yin, Director of Leisure and Cultural Services Vincent Liu, Museum Director of the Hong Kong Heritage Museum Fione Lo and other guests in officiating at the ceremony. Director of the Dunhuang Academy Dr Su Bomin also delivered a speech via live streaming during the ceremony.

The Club's support for the exhibition reflects its strong support for arts, culture and heritage, through which it seeks to enrich lives and contribute to a culturally vibrant Hong Kong. Club Chairman Philip Chen said, "Dunhuang is unquestionably one of the most spectacular Buddhist sites in the world. Indeed this is the third time we have joined hands with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department to organise a large-scale exhibition on its art and culture. Each exhibition has received an overwhelming response. Next to visiting Dunhuang in person, this is by far the best opportunity to engage with its extraordinary art and to explore the beauty and wisdom of this magical place."

There are three main themes in this exhibition - "In Pursuit of Spirituality through Religious Patronage", "In Harmony with Nature and Culture" and "An Ode to Humanity" – which are examined through artefacts, mural paintings, reproduced paintings in silk as well as a replica cave. To enrich the visitor experience, technology and multimedia elements have been incorporated to reveal the splendour of Dunhuang. There will also be a series of educational activities, including talks, guided tours, music programmes and theatrical appreciation sessions, to provide a deeper insight into Dunhuang and its art.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series is a partnership between the Club and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Launched in 2012, the Series has brought world-class exhibitions to Hong Kong, enabling visitors to appreciate masterpieces from different places, times and cultures. The exhibitions are complemented by a variety of education and outreach activities.

"The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Dunhuang: Enchanting Tales for Millennium" is the third Dunhuang exhibition supported by the Club. It follows the "The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Dunhuang: Untold Tales, Untold Riches" in 2014 and "The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Digital Dunhuang – Tales of Heaven and Earth" in 2018. The exhibition is jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Dunhuang Academy. It is jointly organised by the Hong Kong Heritage Museum and the Dunhuang Academy and is supported by the Friends of Dunhuang (Hong Kong).

Over the past 25 years, the Club has progressed with the community. As a world-leader in the sport of horse racing and one of the ten largest charitable donors in the world, the Club has been able to increase its contributions to the community via its integrated business model. The Hong Kong Jockey Club is resolute in pursuing its purpose of acting continuously for the betterment of our society. Then, now, always, we are together with Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class racing club that acts continuously for the betterment of our society. The Club has a unique integrated business model, comprising racing and racecourse entertainment, a membership club, responsible sports wagering and lottery, and charities and community contribution. Through this model, the Club generates economic and social value for the community and supports the Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2020/21, the Club returned a total of HK$29.4 billion to the community. This included HK$24.9 billion to the Government in duty, profits tax and Lotteries Fund contributions and HK$4.5 billion in approved charity donations. The Club is Hong Kong's largest single taxpayer and one of the city's major employers. Its Charities Trust is also one of the world's top ten charity donors. The Club is always "riding high together for a better future" with the people of Hong Kong.