ENG-2002 — Page 466

RECREATION, SPORT AND THE ARTS

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During the year, the fund awarded $2.91 million for 10 scholarships and $1.62 million for 128 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 at leading institutions outside Hong Kong. The grants helped local secondary and primary schools to procure musical instruments and dance equipment. for training purposes, and to organise new training classes for students.

Music Office

The main objectives of the Music Office are to promote general music education in the community, especially for young people; to develop public interest in music; and to foster sharing of music among local young musicians and their counterparts all over the world. The Music Office runs 18 youth orchestras/bands/choirs that have 1 300 members. Services in 2002 included an instrumental music training scheme for 4 000 trainees, short-term music interest courses for 2760 participants, and 400 musical activities for audiences totalling 439 450.

Major events organised by the Music Office included a music camp, youth music interflows, music carnival, annual gala concert, and international youth exchange programmes for local, Mainland and overseas young musicians.

Cultural Venues

Hong Kong Cultural Centre

Since its inauguration in 1989, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre has established itself as a premier performing arts venue, attracting leading artists from around the world.

It has three main performing venues: Concert Hall, Grand Theatre and Studio Theatre with seating capacities of 2019, 1 734 and 321/496, respectively. In 2002, a total of 646 677 people attended 808 performances in these venues. An Arts and Crafts Fair is organised at the piazza every Sunday and on selected public holidays with the aim of enhancing the cultural atmosphere of the venue and attracting visitors.

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, Theatre, Recital Hall, Exhibition Hall and Exhibition Gallery. In 2002, the City Hall celebrated its 40th anniversary, and a series of celebratory programmes was arranged. In addition, various venue enhancement works were carried out. A total of 1 640 events were held during the year, attracting 397 885 people.

Regional and District Civic Centres

In addition to the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Hong Kong City Hall and the two indoor stadia, the LCSD 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.