The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has been supporting the Hong Kong Arts Festival (HKAF) since its launch. Officially opened yesterday (18 February), this year’s HKAF offers over 130 performance and arts-related events presented by 55 top local and international performing groups until 23 March. More than 3,200 students will be able to enjoy free special performances of national dance by the Igor Moiseyev State Academic Ensemble of Popular Dance, made possible by the Trust’s funding.
Last night, Club Chairman T. Brian Stevenson joined HKSAR Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, Hong Kong Arts Festival Society Chairman Ronald Arculli and other guests at the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Arts Festival 2014.
As a long-term partner of the HKAF, 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”.
This year, “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series” feature La Scala Ballet performing Giselle, Ivan Fischer and the Budapest Festival Orchestra in concert, and the Savonlinna Opera Festival performing Richard Wagner’s Lohengrin.
In addition, five gifted choreographers will present their innovative new dance works under “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Contemporary Dance Series”, set to music by local composers. Students can also learn more about contemporary dance through the Club-funded education programmes and outreach activities.
To stimulate students’ interest in arts and culture, the Trust also funds two complimentary student matinees. Some 3,200 students will be able to enjoy performances of national dance by the Igor Moiseyev State Academic Ensemble of Popular Dance on 1 and 3 March. Before enjoying the show, the students will learn about the culture and tradition of different folk dances, and the regions where the dances originated from (e.g. Russia, Moldova, and Ukraine). Dance costumes, dance gestures and the ethnic musical instruments used during the performance as well as theatre etiquette will also be introduced to students in the pre-performance guided tour. The Club also supports a transport subsidy scheme to help students from low-income families and remote districts participate in the matinee programme.
As a strong supporter of local arts and cultural development, the Trust has donated a total of some HK$2.16 billion to these areas in the past decade alone. The most notable recent examples are the series of stunning exhibitions held in association with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, including The Splendours of Royal Costume: Qing Court Attire and the ongoing exhibition Legends of the Giant Dinosaurs under The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series. The legends of the Giant Dinosaurs exhibition has already attracted 500,000 visitors since its opening in early November last year and has broken the attendance record for a thematic exhibition organised by the Hong Kong Science Museum.
In addition, the Club has funded various projects to encourage people with disabilities to participate in arts and cultural programmes, such as the creation 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 Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.95 billion in 2012/13. In addition, the Club is a major taxpayer, Hong Kong’s single largest by far, generating over HK$17.64 billion in 2012/13 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. 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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Club Chairman T. Brian Stevenson (3rd left); HKSAR Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying (centre); HKAF Society Chairman Ronald Arculli (3rd right); Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing (2nd right); Director of Leisure and Cultural Services Betty Fung (1st left); HSBC Chief Executive Peter Wong (2nd left); HKAF Executive Director Tisa Ho (1st right) and other guests perform the opening ceremony of the 42nd Hong Kong Arts Festival 2014.
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Club Chairman T. Brian Stevenson (left) and the Cluba£į?s Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So (right) pictured with The Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholar and artist Colleen Lee (centre).
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2014 a£į?The Hong Kong Jockey Club Seriesa£į? features: La Scala Ballet performing Giselle, Ivan Fischer and the Budapest Festival Orchestra in concert, and the Savonlinna Opera Festival performing Richard Wagnera£į?s Lohengrin.
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