ENG-2001 — Page 477

RECREATION, SPORT AND THE ARTS

Hong Kong Jockey Club Music and Dance Fund

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Music and Dance Fund was set up in 1980 with a donation of $10 million from the Hong Kong Jockey Club for the promotion and development of music and dance. It is a non-statutory trust fund, administered by a board of trustees. In 1994, the Jockey Club provided a further capital injection of $22 million to meet the increasing demand for support.

During the year, the fund awarded $2.28 million for seven scholarships and $1.96 million for 163 grants. The scholarships enabled young people to pursue an integrated programme of post-diploma/post-graduate studies or professional training in music or dance studies outside Hong Kong at leading institutions. The grants helped local schools and organisations to acquire or repair musical instruments and dance equipment, and to form orchestras or dance groups.

Music Office

The Music Office provides music training and music activities for the public, with the objective of promoting general music education in the community, especially for young people.

In 2001, the Music Office accepted 3 956 trainees and 1 937 participants in a total of 735 instrumental music training classes and 186 outreach interest classes, respectively. In addition, the office trains and manages 17 youth orchestras, bands and choirs with a total membership of 1 200. Apart from major events such as the annual music camp, annual gala concert, youth music interflows, music carnival and international youth music exchange programmes, 337 outreach educational/ community events were organised for 230 000 participants.

Cultural Venues

Hong Kong Cultural Centre

Since its inauguration in 1989, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre has established itself as a major performing arts venue, attracting leading artists from all over the world. It has three main performing venues: the Concert Hall, the Grand Theatre and the Studio Theatre with seating capacities of 2019, 1 734 and 320-534, respectively. In 2001, a total of 710 735 people attended 861 performances in these venues.

Hong Kong City Hall

The Hong Kong City Hall has commanded a special place in Hong Kong's cultural life since its establishment in 1962. It is a major multi-purpose complex comprising a Concert Hall, a Theatre, a Recital Hall, an Exhibition Gallery and an Exhibition Hall. In 2001, a total of 726 events were held, attracting 360 500 people.

Civic Centres

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department operates 11 regional and district civic centres: the Sheung Wan Civic Centre and Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre on Hong Kong Island; the Ngau Chi Wan Civic Centre and Ko Shan Theatre in Kowloon; and the Sha Tin Town Hall, Tsuen Wan Town Hall, Tuen Mun Town Hall, Kwai Tsing Theatre, Yuen Long Theatre, North District Town Hall and Tai Po Civic Centre in the New Territories.

405