The following is a speech by the Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Communications and Technology), Miss Elizabeth Tse, at opening ceremony of “Quotidian Architectures” Venice Biennale Response Exhibition today (April 30):
Mr (Dominic) Lam (President of Hong Kong Institute of Architects), Mr (Wilfred) Wong (Chairman of Hong Kong Arts Development Council), Miss (Alessandra) Schiavo (Consul General of Italy), Ms (Juan) Du (Chief Curator), ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon. I am excited to attend the opening ceremony of the “Quotidian Architectures” Venice Biennale Response Exhibition today.
Architecture is one of the leading driving forces of Hong Kong’s creative economy. Our architectural sector commands a high standing both locally and internationally. Our architects have taken part in various prestigious projects around the world. The “Quotidian Architectures” exhibition was held in Venice in August to November last year. I am pleased to know that the exhibition attracted some 44 000 visits, surpassing the record of the previous like exhibitions staged in 2006 and 2008. This reflects the growing interest in Hong Kong’s achievements in architectural development. With the Response Exhibition organised by the Hong Kong Institute of Architects and the Hong Kong Arts Development Council, we welcome home the exhibits we displayed in Venice which have showcased to the world the best elements of Hong Kong’s architectural development.
The Government spares no effort in promoting the development of creative industries, including the architectural sector. Through the $300 million CreateSmart Initiative, we have sponsored various initiatives to promote our architectural sector, including Hong Kong’s participation in the Venice Biennale International Architecture Exhibition and the Response Exhibition that we have here today.
We also attach great importance to the nurturing of creative talents and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community. I am pleased to know that the Hong Kong Institute of Architects has been working very hard to develop a teaching kit to incorporate elements of architecture into our secondary school curriculum for development of students’ appreciation of, and interest in, architecture and creativity. This is an important step to be taken in injecting vitality into the local architectural sector to sustain its development.
Last but not least, I would like to thank the Hong Kong Institute of Architects and the Hong Kong Arts Development Council for organising the exhibition both in Venice and in Hong Kong. I would also like to congratulate the curatorial team led by Ms Du and the exhibitors for having staged a successful exhibition in Venice and impressed the visitors and our friends in Italy. I am sure Hong Kong people will cherish the opportunity offered by this Response Exhibition to explore and share the contributions that architecture can bring to our city in enriching our daily life.
Thank you.
Saturday, April 30, 2011