Club brings world-class arts performances to Hong Kong by supporting 2009 Arts Festival

6 February 2009

With funding from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the 37^th Hong Kong Arts Festival 2009, one of the largest annual arts event in the Asia Pacific region, was officially opened today (6 February) by The Hon Donald Tsang, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, Club Chairman John C C Chan and other distinguished guests. From today until 8 March, over 150 performances and arts-related events will be presented by 37 top local and international performing groups.

To assist the Hong Kong Arts Festival Society (AFS) in planning ahead and securing the participation of leading world-class artists and ensembles, for whom booking commitments are often required two to three years in advance, the Trust introduced a new funding mode whereby funds are approved three years in advance. "The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series" for 2009 comprises the Chicago Symphony Orchestra on 7 February; a new stage production of Pygmalion on 8 February, making its Asian debut; and Alice in Wonderland on 5 March performed by the English National Ballet.

In order to offer the younger generation an opportunity to appreciate top-class cultural performance, the Trust made a further grant to enable a free student matinee performance of one of the pillar programmes to be staged. This year some 1,600 students will enjoy a matinee programme performed by the English National Ballet on 7 March. The fabulous sets and choreography in this top class performance will help students appreciate ballet and nurture their interest in the performing arts.

The Club was a founding funder of the Arts Festival and has since provided support every year to bring new arts and cultural experiences to local audiences as well as enhance Hong Kong's international standing. Over the years, the Club has also made a strong commitment to other areas of local arts and cultural development.  These initiatives include funding the establishment of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre (JCCAC), and launching the Performing Arts Outreach Project "Behind the Scenes" and the Jockey Club Performing Arts Venue Subsidy Scheme.  The Club also funds the Jockey Club Arts for the Disabled Scheme and has recently fitted out an Inclusive Arts Studio at the JCCAC to encourage people with disabilities and the able-bodied to participate in arts and cultural programmes together.