ENG-2000 — Page 450

RECREATION, SPORT AND THE ARTS

386

commission plays a pivotal role in the future development of arts and culture in Hong Kong. It is tasked to advise the Government on overall policies and funding priorities in the development and promotion of culture and heritage, with a view to enhancing the quality of life of the people, fostering a sense of belonging and identity in the community, and developing Hong Kong into a centre of international cultural exchange.

Hong Kong Arts Development Council

The Hong Kong Arts Development Council had a rewarding year in 2000. The council adopted a new two-tier structure that enabled it to undertake its work in a more focused and effective manner. In addition to a comprehensive grant scheme, more proactive projects were launched.

Arts education was in the limelight throughout the year. The council made submissions to the Education Commission's consultation papers on education reform. The council also launched the 'Arts-in-Education' three-year scheme to explore ways of integrating the arts with other subjects in the formal school curricula through the collaborative efforts of teachers and artists.

Two television series, Arts Series and No One's Driving, were produced by the council in collaboration with Cable TV to introduce various art forms in Hong Kong as well as selected video productions by local artists.

In the fourth quarter, the council conducted extensive public consultations over its new three-year plan.

Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

Established by ordinance in 1984 with an autonomous governing council, the academy offers professional training up to degree level in dance, drama, film and television, music and theatre technical arts. During the year, over 300 public performances, screenings and exhibitions were given by the academy's students as part of their academic curriculum. Among the highlights of the year were the operas Orpheus in the Underworld and Genius and Jealousy, and the drama Blood Wedding. In April, 38 dance students participated in the Prague Dance Festival 2000 and won the Grand Prize Prague 2000 for Best School Participant. Lectures and talks by visiting artists are an integral part of the academy's training: in April, students of the School of Film and Television were given a humorous and inspiring address by the award-winning German film director, Mr Wim Wenders.

Various performance tours took place during the year. After its successful visit in 1999, the academy orchestra was invited back to perform in Austria's Carinthia Festival in July. The opera, Genius and Jealousy, was also performed by the academy during the festival and subsequently in Italy. In October, the academy's Music School embarked on its first tour to Thailand and Vietnam. Students from the Junior Dance Programme were invited to participate in the Youth Dance Festival staged in Shanghai in July. Two piano students were selected to enter the prestigious 14th International Chopin Piano Competition in October. They were the first locally trained musicians to enter such an acclaimed international music event.

Hong Kong Arts Centre

Set in the heart of the city, the Arts Centre offers an unequalled choice of events, with something for all tastes. At the Arts Centre, people can see performances by

Page 450Page 451