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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
ADDRESS BY CHAIRMAN
CHAIRMAN (in Cantonese): --Ladies and Gentlemen, the meeting is called to order. Before the commencement of the meeting, I would like to congratulate Miss Maria TAM on her appointment to the Executive Council and re-appointment to the Legislative Council, and also Mr. F. K. Hu and Mrs. Selina CHOW on their re-appointment to the Legislative Council with effect from 1 September 1983. I would also like to congratulate Dr. Kim CHAM on his appointment as a Justice of the Peace with effect from 12 July 1983. (applause).
MINUTES
The minutes of meeting held on 12 July 1983 were confirmed.
(Mr. Edmund W. H. CHOW arrived at this point-4.02 p.m.)
STATEMENT BY CHAIRMAN
CHAIRMAN (in Cantonese):—In the past decade, Hong Kong has achieved dynamic progress in economic and social spheres and this has created a growing awareness and demand by its citizens for an equally stimulating cultural dimension in their lives.
While the emphasis previously was mainly on the performing arts, in recent years there has been a growing interest in the visual arts.
In responding to this trend, the Urban Council plays a major role in promoting the visual arts in a number of ways, including the organizing of exhibitions on its own or working with others in the field.
The Urban Council's contribution to this aspect of culture is its Museum of Art through which it develops and provides the impetus and encouragement to local artists. The Council's Museum of Art has developed a vigorous promotion programme which includes a tight and balanced exhibition programme, active acquisition of significant artworks, the promotion of education and extension services and provision of facilities for artistic activities.
Through the Museum of Art, the Council enables local artists to widen their knowledge and appreciation of the visual arts of other countries. This is achieved through the different types of art exhibitions which are staged each year, such as for instance, the one that displayed the varied works of Picasso, one of the greatest artists of the 20th century. During the year 1982–83, a total of 16 exhibitions were held, which included ones on traditional Chinese art, local historical art and contemporary art of Hong Kong as well as modern western art including the works of some of the leading artists on the international art scene. These exhibitions come from various local and overseas sources including both private and public collections. They are generally well received by the public.
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While providing this exposure to the public of the varied arts of overseas territories, the Urban Council equally provides local artists with opportunities to exhibit their works such as by way of one-man shows or jointly with other artists.
In furtherance of its aim of promoting the works of local artists and by way of providing recognition through encouraging public awareness, the Urban Council has established the Contemporary Hong Kong Art Biennial Exhibition which encompasses six categories, namely Chinese painting, western painting, sculpture, prints, calligraphy and drawings. Developing from this exhibition is the Urban Council Fine Arts Award Scheme.
The biennial exhibition and the award scheme provide a valuable opportunity for local artists, both young and upcoming, as well as those already well-established, to demonstrate their artistic talents. The award scheme has been created to give public recognition to artists who have made notable artistic achievement in Hong Kong.
The response to the Council's efforts in this area has been very encouraging. For instance, in the last biennial exhibition, over 1,230 entries were received, out of which 141 were selected for display. It is expected that the response to the next one to be held next month will be on the same scale, if not greater.
In further developing the award scheme, the Urban Council this year has created a Special Art Award by way of a travelling grant to provide the winning artist under 35 years of age with the opportunity of visiting major art centres overseas and to meet other artists as well.
Also, the Urban Council earmarks annually a substantial provision for the purchase of artworks, both traditional and modern, to be added to the permanent collection of the Museum of Art for display and study purposes. Works of local living artists are purchased on a regular basis as a means of supporting and encouraging artistic creativity in Hong Kong.
One often-heard cry from artists in Hong Kong is the lack of space for them to work or to exhibit their works. Their voices have not gone unheard for the Urban Council is now actively planning to include facilities for them in its various regional complexes. There will be artist studios in the district cultural centres that are to be built on Hong Kong Island at Sai Wan Ho and in Kowloon at Kwun Tong, Yau Ma Tei and Wong Tai Sin. Such facilities will become the focal points where artists can work and share their ideas and experiences.
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