ENG-2007 — Page 443

Recreation, Sport and the Arts 375

In

2007, highlights of 1 a

space's programmes included the show 'Talkover/Handover - Dialogues on Hong Kong Art 10 Years After 1997' with 23 Hong Kong artists who have been active since 1997 in an exchange residency exhibition with Japan 'Strangers', as well as exhibitions featuring international artists from France, Britain and the United States.

Artist Commune

Since its establishment in July 1997, Artist Commune as a non-profit arts group has committed itself to the development of community art. It set up its first workshop in Cheung Fat Industrial Building in Shek Tong Tsui from where it moved to Oil Street Artist Village in North Point and to 'Slaughter House' in Cheung Sha Wan, finally settling down in 'Cattle Depot Artist Village' in To Kwa Wan where it has been since 2001.

In 2007, 13 visual arts activities were presented by Artist Commune. Some of the exhibitions were held in different parts of Hong Kong, providing more opportunities for people to enjoy local contemporary arts.

Asia Art Archive

Founded in 2000, the Asia Art Archive (AAA), a Hong Kong-registered charity, is the first public research centre of its kind dedicated to documenting and making the recent history of visual arts from the region accessible to the public. Through the AAA's website and archive references, over 22 000 items can be viewed by the public. In addition, workshops, symposia, talks and publications are organised and produced by the AAA to promote free flow of ideas. With researchers stationed in Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei and Tokyo, the AAA acts as an important conduit through which people in the contemporary Asian arts field may get in touch with each other. In 2007, the AAA opened its new centre of about 370 square metres to the public.

Hong Kong Society for Education in Art

Established in 1982, the Hong Kong Society for Education in Art promotes the development of visual arts education in schools and in the community. During the year, the society initiated and organised the Creative Student Award Scheme to nurture students' creativity and the Walkable Art Art Parade Creative Teaching Training Course to encourage teachers to explore diversified and integrated arts curriculum, enhance students' experience and expand their horizons on arts. The society also published the only professional arts education journal in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Art Education.

Para/Site Art Space

In 2007, Para/Site Art Space, another visual arts organisation supported by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council, continued to organise thematic exhibitions to foster contemporary art in Hong Kong. Para/Site initiated the debut of 'October Contemporary' to present exhibitions and activities promoting contemporary art in Hong Kong. The 'Pearl River City' touring exhibition series showcased the artworks