The magnificent “PICASSO – Masterpieces from Musee National Picasso Paris” exhibition, funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, officially opened today (18 May) as the highlight of Le French May 2012.
The Club’s Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So, Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing, Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau Arnaud Barthelemy, Director of Leisure and Cultural Services Betty Fung, Chairman of the Board of the Directors of Le French May Dr Andrew Yuen, President of Musee National Picasso, Paris Anne Baldassari and Chief Curator of the Hong Kong Heritage Museum Belinda Wong at the opening ceremony in the Hong Kong Heritage Museum in Sha Tin.
As the major partner of Le French May 2012, the Club is sponsoring four exciting programmes. The Picasso Exhibition is the largest-ever in the city, showcasing 48 oil paintings and seven sculptures by the late artist, including favourites such as “Seated Girl”, “The Barefoot Girl” and “Portrait of Dora Maar”. They will be on display to the public from 19 May to 22 July, and are expected to attract over 300,000 visitors.
In tandem with the exhibition, The Jockey Club Picasso Education Programme is expected to benefit over 2,000 senior secondary students through in-depth docent tours, which will inspire the younger generation to greater appreciation of works of excellence.
The Club has also provided financial and technical support for the Le Centaure et l'Animal production, including the setting up of stables, veterinary care of horses during rehearsals and shows, and transport arrangements. In addition, Bizet’s immortal Carmen, performed last week by Opera Hong Kong and internationally-renowned artists, provided an excellent platform for showcasing the local talents nurtured through the Jockey Club Choral Training Programme. For more information, please visit: www.frenchmay.com
The Club’s strong commitment to nurturing the city’s cultural development is reflected in its many donations to arts and cultural projects since 1960, which include funding the establishment of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and supporting the Hong Kong Arts Festival since its inception 40 years ago. In the past ten years alone, the Club’s Charities Trust has donated some HK$1.55 billion for the promotion and development of arts and culture in Hong Kong, covering both hardware and software projects.
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$1.6 billion in 2011. It is also a major taxpayer, Hong Kong's single largest by far, generating over HK$15 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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The Cluba£į?s Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So (4th left), Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing (7th right), Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau Arnaud Barthelemy (8th left), Director of Leisure and Cultural Services Betty Fung (6th left), Chairman of the Board of the Directors of Le French May Dr Andrew Yuen (7th left), President of Musee National Picasso, Paris Anne Baldassari (6th right) and Chief Curator of the Hong Kong Heritage Museum Belinda Wong (5th left) at the opening ceremony.
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Photo 2, 3 & 4
Guests tour the Picasso Exhibition.
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The Cluba£į?s Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So (1st right), Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing (1st left), Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau Arnaud Barthelemy (2nd left) and spouse (2nd right), as well as Chairman of the Board of the Directors of Le French May Dr Andrew Yuen (3rd right).
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Photo 6 & 7
The Club-funded Picasso Exhibition showcases 48 oil paintings and seven sculptures by the late artist.
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