Corporate News

Students use Jockey Club project to showcase ways to preserve cultural heritage

07/20/2013

The first fruits of a Jockey Club initiative to teach the younger generation how to preserve local cultural heritage went on display today (20 July) at an exhibition marking the official opening of the three-year project, Community Classroom: Jockey Club Programme on Heritage Preservation. Targeting students from secondary schools and tertiary institutions, the project is being implemented by St James' Settlement (SJS) funded by a HK$4.88 million donation from The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Charities Trust.

The opening ceremony was held at the Cattle Depot Artist Village in Ma Tau Kok, where the exhibition showcasing the students’ traditional handicraft creations will run until 28 August 2013. Attending the ceremony were the Club's Head of Charities Projects Rhoda Chan, Community Cultural Concern Chairman Dr Mirana May Szeto, SJS Chief Executive Officer Cynthia Luk and fire dragon master Ng Kong-kin.

Ms Chan said heritage conservation was not only about protecting historical buildings, but traditional handicrafts and habits were also indispensable. She hoped the Community Classroom: Jockey Club Programme on Heritage Preservation could provide the youngsters an opportunity to learn more about Hong Kong’s cultural legacy and actively participate in conserving and spreading the culture to the next generation.

Since early this year, SJS has been organising workshops, interviews and activities to document and promote traditional culture and handicrafts in a systematic way to the secondary and tertiary students. Under the guidance of traditional craftsmen, they have used their creativity to give a new look to cultural handicrafts. The exhibition showcases the winning arts and crafts pieces chosen from among the participants in a competition.

The project is designed to raise public awareness of the citys cultural heritage and help people rediscover these traditional handicrafts. More than 28,000 teachers, students and residents are expected to enjoy the benefits of the project over its three-year duration.

The Jockey Club has been a staunch supporter of a number of other heritage conservation and education programmes.  Examples include the Heritage Preservation and Rejuvenation Programme in Wan Chai by SJS, HKJC Heritage x Arts x Design Walk Project by HULU Culture, and Embracing Heritage Jockey Club Community Cultural Heritage Programme by the Conservancy Association Centre for Heritage. 

In addition, the Club funds four local activities that have been inscribed on to the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in China, namely the Cheung Chau Jiao Festival, the Tai O Traditional Dragon Boat Water Parade, the traditional Yu Lan Ghost Festival in the Chiu Chow Community and the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Parade, as well as a related education programme, Community Education Project for National intangible Cultural Heritage.

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.

The Club's Head of Charities Projects Rhoda Chan (left) receives a souvenir from St Jamesa£á? Settlement Chief Executive Officer Cynthia Luk (right). Ms Chan hopes the Community Classroom: Jockey Club Programme on Heritage Preservation can provide the youngsters an opportunity to learn more about Hong Konga£á?s cultural legacy and actively participate in conserving and spreading the culture to the next generation.
The Club's Head of Charities Projects Rhoda Chan (left) receives a souvenir from St Jamesa£á? Settlement Chief Executive Officer Cynthia Luk (right). Ms Chan hopes the Community Classroom: Jockey Club Programme on Heritage Preservation can provide the youngsters an opportunity to learn more about Hong Konga£á?s cultural legacy and actively participate in conserving and spreading the culture to the next generation.

The Club's Head of Charities Projects Rhoda Chan (2nd right) joins Community Cultural Concern Chairman Dr Mirana May Szeto (2nd left), St Jamesa£á? Settlement Chief Executive Officer Cynthia Luk (1st right) and fire dragon master Ng Kong-kin (1st left) to officiate the opening and awards presentation ceremony of the Community Classroom: Jockey Club Programme on Heritage Preservation and exhibition.
The Club's Head of Charities Projects Rhoda Chan (2nd right) joins Community Cultural Concern Chairman Dr Mirana May Szeto (2nd left), St Jamesa£á? Settlement Chief Executive Officer Cynthia Luk (1st right) and fire dragon master Ng Kong-kin (1st left) to officiate the opening and awards presentation ceremony of the Community Classroom: Jockey Club Programme on Heritage Preservation and exhibition.

Officiating guests with some of the participants and competition winners.
Officiating guests with some of the participants and competition winners.

Photo 4-8:<br>
Mini-workshops and handicrafts.
Photo 4-8:
Mini-workshops and handicrafts.





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