ENG-1994 — Page 435

RECREATION, SPORTS AND THE ARTS

As a multi-discipline arts organisation, the Hong Kong Arts Centre offers a platform for contemporary work in the performing, visual and cinematic arts as well as featuring new, avant garde and multimedia art forms. It encourages the work of non-established artists and groups of all disciplines and the development of indigenous art forms. Resources are also dedicated to outreach work in arts education offered by established artists, art historians, curators, theorists and art administrators to promote the appreciation of various art forms and activities.

In 1994, the centre was visited by over one million people, many of whom attended the 1 200 stage and screen performances, 80 exhibitions and 770 arts-related courses held at its

venues.

Highlights of the year included the exhibitions Contemporary Photography from Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan; From Cartoons to Paintings—the Art of Efren Exhibition; Between Sculpture and Photography — The Art of Boyd Webb Exhibition; Hong Kong 60s' Exhibition; the film programmes Australian Film Festival; Gerard Depardieu Retrospective; Retrospective of Keisuke Kinoshita — Master of Japanese Post- war Humanism; Finland-Filmland Film Festival; the performing arts programmes Climatic Shorts 94; Showtime; Play-in-Progress; and the education programmes Summer Art Camp 94; Refiguring Culture; Introduction to Digital Photography Workshop and Interactive Multimedia Workshop.

British Council

One of the aims of the British Council in the territory is to foster cultural understanding between Britain and Hong Kong through a balanced programme of music, drama, dance, exhibitions, literary events, film shows and related masterclasses and workshops catering to the interests of local residents. The council works in conjunction with local organisations and supports collaborative projects between British and local artists.

In 1994, the council jointly organised a number of arts events, including the Gate Theatre's production of The Cheating Hearts during the Hong Kong Arts Festival, Wink Productions' performances of The Lizzie Play during the Hong Kong Fringe Festival, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra Chorus' 150th anniversary concerts, and a film retro- spective In Memory of Derek Jarman. It also arranged the visits of renowned writer Doris Lessing to read from and talk about her works; choreographer Julie Lincoln to rehearse Les Patineurs with the Hong Kong Ballet; photographer/sculptor Boyd Webb to open an exhibition of his works; and Royal Academician Bill Jacklin and bas-relief artist Louise Soloway as artists-in-residence to give lectures and run workshops.

Cultural Events

Hong Kong Arts Festival

Since its inauguration in 1973, the Hong Kong Arts Festival has been widely regarded as a premier arts event in the region, acting as an important international forum for the arts.

In 1994, close to 1000 artists and off-stage staff participated in the 27-day festival. Over 100 000 people attended its 138 performances (99 by overseas artists) held at 19 different venues throughout Hong Kong. Exciting programmes included the festival's first internationally co-produced opera The Magic Flute; the Hong Kong début of the celebrated St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra; and Chekhov's classic The Seagull, staged by the

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