1979 — Page 60

Urban Council Proceedings 市政局議事錄 All AI Reviewed

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Page 60 of 136

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

ADDRESS BY CHAIRMAN

CHAIRMAN (in English):-Ladies and Gentlemen, Council is called to order.

MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting held on 9 October 1979 were confirmed.

STATEMENT BY CHAIRMAN

CHAIRMAN (in English):-The Fourth Festival of Asian Arts is just over. Perhaps its aim and purpose might be put in focus again: to determine whether it has hit its target or even whether the arts have been served in advantage. A critical examination went on while the Festival was in progress and will now be stepped up in its wake to strengthen the organization and improve the presentation. In fairness, though, high compliments on the way the preparations were made and put into effect were paid by experienced participants in a position to judge.

If figures are anything to go by, the record is most impressive, as before. There were 63 performances by 11 countries besides 70 local presentations. All in all, there were 36 shows in the City Hall Theatre and Concert Hall and 62 in 8 separate outdoor locations. In the City Hall, 35,775 tickets were issued. This was just over 100% of combined capacity, the over-subscription representing 'standing room only' for some full houses. It is estimated that 145,250 attended the outdoor events, including the many thousands who enjoyed the spectacular opening ceremony in the heart of the city. There were, moreover, 5 exhibitions during the period, with so far just over 100,000 attendance as 2 are still open. Surely, the response is a remarkable performance by the people themselves.

Furthermore, 35 lectures and demonstrations were given in the Recital and Lecture Halls, mostly well attended by 3,026 persons interested in the esoteric opportunity the presence of so many experts gave to the serious-minded students and exponents of art and music, dance and drama, and the cultural heritage of Asia generally.

All these many activities were supported by excellent publications, from posters to programmes with expert contributions to the souvenir book, treated as a collector's item abroad.

Thus, once again, the public response was truly magnificent. There are many dedicated people and organizations to thank, both here and abroad, and not the least among them, for sure, are the hard-working Co-ordinator, executives, and staff of all grades as well as those specially engaged for the occasion.

The Festival has found its mark far beyond the confines of Hong Kong. Even here, the extensive coverage by the media enabled many more thousands who did not go to the performances or the exhibitions to appreciate this rare display of the arts of Asia. It was an enjoyable and educational period of 16 days. In many other places, among the cultural leaders and the practising artists, there is a growing awareness of the transcending value of the annual Festival. For it prompts the authorities in the region to re-appraise their support of the arts, traditional and contemporary, to probe into possibilities of reviving ancient art forms and perhaps to put new values on neglected cultural expressions taken for granted more often than not. It is likely, too, that emerging talent will find a new understanding of its place in the evolving standards and aspirations of the current age.

The unexpected cultural initiative of such an unlikely place as pragmatic Hong Kong has taken the region by surprise and made new friends abroad, perhaps because it has no profit or political motive. And so, the bold venture of art for art's sake has earned the genuine co-operation of influential circles overseas. Altogether, it is most significant. Yet, to be fair, the arts in myriad forms have had many a local champion over the years. But the impact of this constructive promotion is presumably more appreciated outside than by the circumscribed society here with other mores and values. Perhaps, its success gives no joy to the powerful. Anyhow, any felicitous innovation by the Council to enrich the life of the people and to raise their sights seems to find a mixed reception: curiously reactionary in some sycophantic quarters; spontaneously responsive among the people where it counts. It seems that the Council is not without honour save in the corridors of transitory power. Still, the Council's vision of the place of the arts in an evolving society is a positive factor of direct benefit to the people. It has struck the right chord in Asia, too.

(If Mr. Peter C. K. Chan will stop stretching himself and yawning, I will continue.) (Laughter)

Indeed, willy-nilly, the Council is the pre-eminent patron of the arts here for the present. Not by fluke, but by design. Neither is it so only because of the Festival once a year, but by virtue of a diversity of bicultural activities jointly with a host of enlightened people, day in, day out. And so, Hong Kong may find its soul in Asia yet.

PAPER

(Miss Cecilia L. Y. Yeung arrived during the Chairman's address.)

The following paper was laid on the table:-Report to the Urban Council by the Director of Urban Services and Secretary, Urban Council, for the month of October 1979.

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Page 60 of 136 86 HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL ADDRESS BY CHAIRMAN CHAIRMAN (in English):-Ladies and Gentlemen, Council is called to order. MINUTES The minutes of the meeting held on 9 October 1979 were confirmed. STATEMENT BY CHAIRMAN CHAIRMAN (in English):-The Fourth Festival of Asian Arts is just over. Perhaps its aim and purpose might be put in focus again: to determine whether it has hit its target or even whether the arts have been served in advantage. A critical examination went on while the Festival was in progress and will now be stepped up in its wake to strengthen the organization and improve the presentation. In fairness, though, high compliments on the way the preparations were made and put into effect were paid by experienced participants in a position to judge. If figures are anything to go by, the record is most impressive, as before. There were 63 performances by 11 countries besides 70 local presentations. All in all, there were 36 shows in the City Hall Theatre and Concert Hall and 62 in 8 separate outdoor locations. In the City Hall, 35,775 tickets were issued. This was just over 100% of combined capacity, the over-subscription representing 'standing room only' for some full houses. It is estimated that 145,250 attended the outdoor events, including the many thousands who enjoyed the spectacular opening ceremony in the heart of the city. There were, moreover, 5 exhibitions during the period, with so far just over 100,000 attendance as 2 are still open. Surely, the response is a remarkable performance by the people themselves. Furthermore, 35 lectures and demonstrations were given in the Recital and Lecture Halls, mostly well attended by 3,026 persons interested in the esoteric opportunity the presence of so many experts gave to the serious-minded students and exponents of art and music, dance and drama, and the cultural heritage of Asia generally. All these many activities were supported by excellent publications, from posters to programmes with expert contributions to the souvenir book, treated as a collector's item abroad. Thus, once again, the public response was truly magnificent. There are many dedicated people and organizations to thank, both here and abroad, and not the least among them, for sure, are the hard-working Co-ordinator, executives, and staff of all grades as well as those specially engaged for the occasion. 87 The Festival has found its mark far beyond the confines of Hong Kong. Even here, the extensive coverage by the media enabled many more thousands who did not go to the performances or the exhibitions to appreciate this rare display of the arts of Asia. It was an enjoyable and educational period of 16 days. In many other places, among the cultural leaders and the practising artists, there is a growing awareness of the transcending value of the annual Festival. For it prompts the authorities in the region to re-appraise their support of the arts, traditional and contemporary, to probe into possibilities of reviving ancient art forms and perhaps to put new values on neglected cultural expressions taken for granted more often than not. It is likely, too, that emerging talent will find a new understanding of its place in the evolving standards and aspirations of the current age. The unexpected cultural initiative of such an unlikely place as pragmatic Hong Kong has taken the region by surprise and made new friends abroad, perhaps because it has no profit or political motive. And so, the bold venture of art for art's sake has earned the genuine co-operation of influential circles overseas. Altogether, it is most significant. Yet, to be fair, the arts in myriad forms have had many a local champion over the years. But the impact of this constructive promotion is presumably more appreciated outside than by the circumscribed society here with other mores and values. Perhaps, its success gives no joy to the powerful. Anyhow, any felicitous innovation by the Council to enrich the life of the people and to raise their sights seems to find a mixed reception: curiously reactionary in some sycophantic quarters; spontaneously responsive among the people where it counts. It seems that the Council is not without honour save in the corridors of transitory power. Still, the Council's vision of the place of the arts in an evolving society is a positive factor of direct benefit to the people. It has struck the right chord in Asia, too. (If Mr. Peter C. K. Chan will stop stretching himself and yawning, I will continue.) (Laughter) Indeed, willy-nilly, the Council is the pre-eminent patron of the arts here for the present. Not by fluke, but by design. Neither is it so only because of the Festival once a year, but by virtue of a diversity of bicultural activities jointly with a host of enlightened people, day in, day out. And so, Hong Kong may find its soul in Asia yet. PAPER (Miss Cecilia L. Y. Yeung arrived during the Chairman's address.) The following paper was laid on the table:-Report to the Urban Council by the Director of Urban Services and Secretary, Urban Council, for the month of October 1979. Page 60 Page 61 Page 61 of 136

Baseline (Original)

Page 60 of 136 86 HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL ADDRESS BY CHAIRMAN CHAIRMAN (in English):-Ladies and Gentlemen, Council is called to order. MINUTES The minutes of the meeting held on 9 October 1979 were confirmed. STATEMENT BY CHAIRMAN CHAIRMAN (in English):-The Fourth Festival of Asian Arts is just over. Perhaps its aim and purpose might be put in focus again: to determine whether it has hit its target or even whether the arts have been served i advantage. A critical examination went on while the Festival was in progress and will now be stepped up in its wake to strengthen the organization and improve the presentation. In fairness, though, high compliments on the way the preparations were made and put into effect were paid by experienced participants in a position to judge. If figures are anything to go by, the record is most impressive, as before There were 63 performances by 11 countries besides 70 local presentations. All in all, there were 36 shows in the City Hall Theatre and Concert Hall and 62 in 8 separate outdoor locations. In the City Hall, 35,775 tickets were issued. This was just over 100% of combined capacity the over-subscription representing 'standing room only' for some full houses. It is estimated that 145,250 attended the outdoor events, including the many thousands whe enjoyed the spectacular opening ceremony in the heart of the city. There were moreover 5 exhibitions during the period with so far just over 100,000 attendance as 2 are still open. Surely, the response is a remarkable perform- ance by the people themselves. Furthermore, 35 lectures and demonstrations were given in the Recital and Lecture Halls, mostly well attended by 3,026 persons interested in the esoteric opportunity the presence of so many experts gave to the serious- minded students and exponents of art and music, dance and drama, and the cultural heritage of Asia generally. All these many activities were supported by excellent publications from posters to programmes with expert contributions to the souvenir book, treated as a collector's item abroad. Thus, once again, the public response was truly magnificent. There are many dedicated people and organizations to thank, both here and abroad. and not the least among them, for sure, are the hard-working Co-ordinator. executives and staff of all grades as well as those specially engaged for the occasion. HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL Page 60 of 136 87 The Festival has found its mark far beyond the confines of Hong Kong. Even here, the extensive coverage by the media enabled many more thousands who did not go to the performances or the exhibitions to appreciate this rare display of the arts of Asia. It was an enjoyable and educational period of 16 days. In many other places, among the cultural leaders and the practising artists, there is a growing awareness of the transcending value of the annual Festival. For it prompts the authorities in the region to re-appraise their support of the arts, traditional and contemporary, to probe into possibilities of reviving ancient art forms and perhaps to put new values on neglected cultural expressions taken for granted more often than not. It is likely too that emerging talent will find a new understanding of its place in the evolving standards and aspirations of the current age. The unexpected cultural initiative of such an unlikely place as pragmatic Hong Kong has taken the region by surprise and made new friends abroad perhaps because it has no profit or political motive. And so, the bold venture of art for art's sake has earned the genuine co-operation of influential circles overseas. Altogether, it is most significant. Yet, to be fair, the arts in myriad forms have had many a local champion over the years. But the impact of this constructive promotion is presumably more appreciated outside than by the circumscribed society here with other mores and values. Perhaps, its success gives no joy to the powerful. Anyhow, any felicitous innovation by the Council to enrich the life of the people and to raise their sights seems to find a mixed reception: curiously reactionary in some sycophantic quarters; spontaneously responsive among the people where it counts. It seems that the Council is not without honour save in the corridors of transitory power. Still, the Council's vision of the place of the arts in an evolving society is a positive factor of direct benefit to the people. It has struck the right chord in Asia too. (If Mr. Peter C. K. Chan will stop stretching himself and yawning, I will continue.) (Laughter) Indeed, willy-nilly, the Council is the pre-eminent patron of the arts here for the present. Not by fluke, but by design. Neither is it so only because of the Festival once a year, but by virtue of a diversity of bicultural activities jointly with a host of enlightened people, day in, day out. And so, Hong Kong may find its soul in Asia yet. PAPER (Miss Cecilia L. Y. Yeung arrived during the Chairman's address.) The following paper was laid on the table:-Report to the Urban Council by the Director of Urban Services and Secretary, Urban Council, for the month of October 1979. Page 60Page 61 Page 61 of 136

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Page 60 of 136

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

ADDRESS BY CHAIRMAN

CHAIRMAN (in English):-Ladies and Gentlemen, Council is called to order.

MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting held on 9 October 1979 were confirmed.

STATEMENT BY CHAIRMAN

CHAIRMAN (in English):-The Fourth Festival of Asian Arts is just over. Perhaps its aim and purpose might be put in focus again: to determine whether it has hit its target or even whether the arts have been served i advantage. A critical examination went on while the Festival was in progress and will now be stepped up in its wake to strengthen the organization and improve the presentation. In fairness, though, high compliments on the way the preparations were made and put into effect were paid by experienced participants in a position to judge.

If figures are anything to go by, the record is most impressive, as before There were 63 performances by 11 countries besides 70 local presentations. All in all, there were 36 shows in the City Hall Theatre and Concert Hall and 62 in 8 separate outdoor locations. In the City Hall, 35,775 tickets were issued. This was just over 100% of combined capacity the over-subscription representing 'standing room only' for some full houses. It is estimated that 145,250 attended the outdoor events, including the many thousands whe enjoyed the spectacular opening ceremony in the heart of the city. There were moreover 5 exhibitions during the period with so far just over 100,000 attendance as 2 are still open. Surely, the response is a remarkable perform- ance by the people themselves.

Furthermore, 35 lectures and demonstrations were given in the Recital and Lecture Halls, mostly well attended by 3,026 persons interested in the esoteric opportunity the presence of so many experts gave to the serious- minded students and exponents of art and music, dance and drama, and the cultural heritage of Asia generally.

All these many activities were supported by excellent publications from posters to programmes with expert contributions to the souvenir book, treated as a collector's item abroad.

Thus, once again, the public response was truly magnificent. There are many dedicated people and organizations to thank, both here and abroad. and not the least among them, for sure, are the hard-working Co-ordinator. executives and staff of all grades as well as those specially engaged for the

occasion.

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

Page 60 of 136

The Festival has found its mark far beyond the confines of Hong Kong. Even here, the extensive coverage by the media enabled many more thousands who did not go to the performances or the exhibitions to appreciate this rare display of the arts of Asia. It was an enjoyable and educational period of 16 days. In many other places, among the cultural leaders and the practising artists, there is a growing awareness of the transcending value of the annual Festival. For it prompts the authorities in the region to re-appraise their support of the arts, traditional and contemporary, to probe into possibilities of reviving ancient art forms and perhaps to put new values on neglected cultural expressions taken for granted more often than not. It is likely too that emerging talent will find a new understanding of its place in the evolving standards and aspirations of the current age.

The unexpected cultural initiative of such an unlikely place as pragmatic Hong Kong has taken the region by surprise and made new friends abroad perhaps because it has no profit or political motive. And so, the bold venture of art for art's sake has earned the genuine co-operation of influential circles overseas. Altogether, it is most significant. Yet, to be fair, the arts in myriad forms have had many a local champion over the years. But the impact of this constructive promotion is presumably more appreciated outside than by the circumscribed society here with other mores and values. Perhaps, its success gives no joy to the powerful. Anyhow, any felicitous innovation by the Council to enrich the life of the people and to raise their sights seems to find a mixed reception: curiously reactionary in some sycophantic quarters; spontaneously responsive among the people where it counts. It seems that the Council is not without honour save in the corridors of transitory power. Still, the Council's vision of the place of the arts in an evolving society is a positive factor of direct benefit to the people. It has struck the right chord in Asia too.

(If Mr. Peter C. K. Chan will stop stretching himself and yawning, I will continue.) (Laughter)

PAPER

(Miss Cecilia L. Y. Yeung arrived during the Chairman's address.)

The following paper was laid on the table:-Report to the Urban Council by the Director of Urban Services and Secretary, Urban Council, for the month of October 1979.

1979 — Page 60

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