The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mrs Rita Lau, kicked off an exhibition featuring the multi-facet and creativity of the Hong Kong architecture and culture at the 11th Venice Biennale International Architecture Exhibition (Architecture Biennale) in Venice, Italy on September 12 (Venice time).
Addressing the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong exhibition entitled "Fabrica Cultura (Culture Fabricate): Hong Kong in Venice", Mrs Lau applauded the creativity of Hong Kong exhibitors who challenged visitors' concept of architecture and presented them with fresh and impactful ideas. She was also interested to see the Hong Kong architects' presentation of creative ideas to improve people's quality of living.
"It is indeed the pursuit of better quality of living that has propelled our unlimited creativity to develop new ideas and designs and put things on drawing board into reality. It is such creativity that has driven our architectural sector to become one of the front and foremost in Asia and one of the leading sectors in our creative industries," she said.
To facilitate exchange and discussion between Hong Kong creative talents and their overseas counterparts, Mrs Lau also hosted a gala dinner for guests including representatives from overseas creative organisations, leading architects and designers of participating countries of the Architecture Biennale.
As part of the on-going efforts to promote Hong Kong's creative industries, the government has allocated a sponsorship of over $1.8 million through the Professional Services Development Assistance Scheme in support of the Hong Kong exhibition in Venice as well as a response exhibition and a number of fora to be held in Hong Kong later to showcase the works presented at the Biennale and share with local professionals the latest developments in urban and architectural design.
The Hong Kong exhibition features creativity of Hong Kong under six categories: object, buildings, landscape, city, media and text. Nine groups of local exhibitors, comprising architects, designers, photographers, performers and writer/critics, will showcase their interpretations of architecture at this international platform.
Venice Biennale is a highly regarded and prestigious cultural event in the world which spans over areas including art, architecture, cinema, dance, music and theatre. The Architecture Biennale is held in even years. This year, it will present a record number of 56 national participations. The Hong Kong exhibition is jointly presented by Hong Kong Arts Development Council and Hong Kong Institute of Architects and will be open to public until November 23.
Saturday, September 13, 2008