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RECREATION, SPORT AND THE ARTS
Two exhibitions, Tai O; Love Stories of the Fishing Village, Photos and Antiquities and Recording Our Built Heritage Selected Measured Drawings on Local Historical Buildings by the Department of Architecture, University of Hong Kong, were staged from April 23 to May 27 and from June 14 to November 30, respectively. A travelling exhibition, Hong Kong's Heritage - A History of 6 000 Years, was staged at the Gallery of the City University of Hong Kong from July 5 to September 10. The exhibition was made available for loan to schools to enhance heritage education.
With the sponsorship of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the Central and Western Heritage Trail was established in phases to present the early urban development of Hong Kong. The first and second phases, covering the Central district and the Sheung Wan district respectively, were well received by the public. The final phase, covering the Western district and the Peak, was opened in December. The AMO organised study tours for primary and secondary school teachers on local heritage and school curricula, focusing on Chinese History, History and Tourism. It also promoted young people's participation in archaeological workshops, field studies and lectures. Heritage tours and lectures were arranged regularly by the AMO so that members of the public could appreciate historical architecture and recent archaeological discoveries.
To encourage the community's commitment in heritage conservation, the AMO launched a Friends of Heritage scheme, which aimed to recruit heritage enthusiasts for undertaking voluntary work. Both the founding members and the new members recruited in 1999 continued to contribute to the heritage work of the AMO.
A Heritage Awards Scheme was being planned during the year. The scheme would promote the preservation of Hong Kong's heritage and foster among the public a sense of identity and belonging.
Lord Wilson Heritage Trust
Established in December 1992, the trust aims to preserve and conserve the cultural heritage of Hong Kong. During the year, apart from sponsoring four heritage-related activities and research projects, the trust allocated $459,000 to the Summer Youth Programme Committee for organising heritage-related activities in the HKSAR's 18 districts. Through participation in these activities, young people could develop their interest in preserving Hong Kong's cultural heritage.
Museums
Hong Kong Museum of Art
The Hong Kong Museum of Art collects works of Chinese antiquities, Chinese painting and calligraphy, and contemporary Hong Kong art as well as historical pictures. The collections are displayed in the permanent galleries. The displays are rotated regularly to present different themes and to arouse public interest. Apart from its own collection, the museum presents exhibitions from overseas to maintain an international character. A wide range of education and extension programmes enhances participants' knowledge of and interest in art creation.
Contemporary
During the year, major exhibitions such as Nice Movements French Art presented works by artists of various significant art movements in France from the 1950s to 1970s, while the Classical Italian Painting - Guercino and His