To inspire people to tell their own stories through photographs, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust donated HK$2.55 million to the Hong Kong Photographic Culture Association to organise the first and largest community photography campaign in the city, in collaboration with the Leisure & Culture Services Department. The “Eye to Eye: Jockey Club Social Documentation Project” is also one of the thematic programmes of the Hong Kong International Photo Festival 2012.
An exhibition to showcase the works of 35 selected participants opened today (9 October) in the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, in the presence of the Club’s Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So, Under Secretary for Home Affairs Florence Hui and the Association Chairman Leong Ka Tai.
The exhibitors were chosen from over 100 entrants to the preliminary “Call for Photo Stories” activity that ran in June. Under the guidance of renowned local photographers, they underwent a two-month advanced social documentary workshop to help develop their own photographic creations. Their works will be displayed at the Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre, Sha Tin Town Hall and Tsuen Wan Town Hall later this year.
Mr So noted that, as the city’s premier charity and community benefactor, the Jockey Club has always been committed to helping promote harmony among Hong Kong’s multi-cultural society. “We are glad to support the HK Photographic Culture Association. Through the Eye to Eye: Jockey Club Social Documentation Project, we hope to encourage people from all walks of life to tell their stories through photography, and in turn enhance mutual understanding, respect and social cohesion,” he added.
One of the exhibitors is Yeung Wai-ming, a breast cancer survivor who documented her journey to recovery with her camera. Through sharing her experience in organising a dragon boat team with other cancer survivors, she hopes to inspire other patients to live a positive life. “I chose ‘Reborn’ as my theme because I’d like to express the doubts I had when fighting against the disease, and what life means to me after I’ve won the battle. The experience of the dragon boat team is a vivid documentary on how we support each other.”
Sunny Chan, another participant, chose agricultural development as his theme. “The beauty of this project is that none of us are professional photographers and we come from different backgrounds. Agriculture is important to society’s social economic development. I believe land can serve more than just commercial purpose. I hope my photographic work can document the local agricultural development and raise the public awareness.”
The Eye to Eye: Jockey Club Social Documentation Project was launched in March 2012 to encourage local people to create their own meaningful documentaries and share their personal worlds, beliefs and values with others. Such an exercise allows both participants and their audiences to learn more about the lives and roles of different social groups or communities within our city.
As part of the project, the Association arranged over 60 photography workshops and school seminars that attracted over 9,600 participants. At the same time, 30 NGOs from various sectors, ethnic groups and social strata joined the programme. For more information, please visit: www.hkphotofest.org/eyetoeye
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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The Cluba£á?s Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So says the project encourages people from all walks of life to tell their stories through photography, and in turn enhance mutual understanding, respect and social cohesion.
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The Cluba£á?s Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So (3rd left), Under Secretary for Home Affairs Florence Hui (3rd right) and the Hong Kong Photographic Culture Association Chairman Leong Ka Tai (2nd right) and other guests at the opening ceremony of the a£á?Eye to Eye: Jockey Club Social Documentation Projecta£á? exhibition.
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Guests tour the exhibition.
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One of the exhibitors Yeung Wai-ming (right) explains the theme of her photos to the Cluba£á?s Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So (left).
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Sunny Chan, another participant, chooses agricultural development as his theme.
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Photos 6/7:
Photos taken by other exhibitors.
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