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The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Housing Authority:
Both the public and overseas visitors now have a special reason for visiting Yat Tung Estate in Tung Chung as the Housing Authority (HA) opened today (November 11) the second phase of Tung Chung Artwalk, an outdoor arena for 26 artistic creations by local artists.
Yat Tung Estate is the first public housing estate to launch a large public art scheme. Sixteen of the artworks have been on display since the first phase of the Artwalk was opened in 2002. Another 10 art pieces selected from over 200 submissions received through an open competition are added to the collection in the second phase. The complete collection is arranged in the open area of Yat Tung Estate, forming a trail for art appreciation.
Officiating at the opening ceremony, Mr Thomas Chan Chun-yuen, Permanent Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands (Housing), said, ¡°Every one of these 26 extraordinary artworks, each inspired in its own way by Tung Chung¡¯s development from a fishing village to a vibrant new town, is a testament to the historical changes of this township. Local culture runs deep in the heart of these art pieces. They will certainly add to the attraction of the area.¡±
¡°Through our continued efforts to bring and blend art into public estates, we hope to enable our tenants to appreciate art in the comfort of their neighbourhood, enhance their living environment and strengthen their sense of belonging to the community,¡± Mr Chan added.
The brainchild of the HA, Tung Chung Artwalk is a joint effort with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. An open competition, ¡°New Face of Heritage¡±, was co-organised to invite submissions for the project¡¯s second phase. At today¡¯s opening ceremony, prizes were presented to the creators of the three ¡°Best Implemented Art Pieces¡±, which were adjudicated by a number of criteria, ranging from creativity, aesthetic impact, to skill and quality. The champion was Li Xue-xun (artwork: Homeland). Tang Chiu-kwai (artwork: Small Stream) and Eddie Lui Fung-Ngar (artwork: Clouds in the Sky) were the first and second runner-up respectively.
Tung Chung Artwalk is open free of charge to the public all year round.
Ends/Saturday, November 11, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:49
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