Inclusive Arts Exhibitions and A-Mazing Carnival (with photos)
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    The following is issued on behalf of the International Festival of Inclusive Arts:

     On exhibitions and outdoor activities, International Festival of Inclusive Arts (IFIA) presents three inclusive arts exhibitions with different themes and the A-Mazing Carnival. Using various senses, participants will be able to appreciate the inner journeys of people with different abilities in the world of arts. Organised by the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau and the Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong, the International Festival of Inclusive Arts will be held from December 2 to 10. Through diverse programmes like performances, exhibitions, symposium, workshops and carnival, the festival aims to provide an opportunity for participation in arts by people with and without disabilities, and promoting an inclusive society.

     Inclusive art exhibition "Way to Feel" will exhibit a variety of fabric works, including SAORI fashion products by fashion design students using hand-woven fabric made by weavers from rehabilitation organisations, as well as handcrafts, three-dimensional creations and large exhibits from the Community Fabric Creation Programme, in which different communities are encouraged to partake in art. In addition, people of different capabilities and from all walks of life are gathered to perform a group fabric creation. Audience will also have the opportunity to experience in person the weaving process and actualise their creativity. "Way to Feel" will be held on December 3-10 at the Foyer, Hong Kong Cultural Centre.

     Another exhibition, "Way to See", offers a precious opportunity for everyone to enjoy artworks of local artists with disabilities as well as those from the USA, Belgium, France, Taiwan, Japan and Mainland China. These artists will also share and exchange their views and experiences. "Way to See" will be held on December 3-10 at the Exhibition Hall, Hong Kong City Hall.

     The exhibition "Joy to Share" lets local artists with disabilities to share with the public their happiness in creation. Through collecting exhibits from the public, the organisers provide additional opportunities and channels through which local artists with high potential can reveal their talents and exchange their ideas. More than 250 artworks created by about 170 artists have been selected by professional judges, including experienced exhibition expert Mr Oscar Ho, Chief Curator, Hong Kong Museum of Art Mr Tang Hoi-chiu, Professor Kurt Chan Yuk Keung of the Department of Fine Arts, the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Chairperson of Sub-Committee on Arts and Culture, Rehabilitation Advisory Committee Mrs Jackie Ma Lai Bik-lin. "Joy to Share" will be held on December 3-10 at Exhibition Gallery, Kwai Tsing Theatre.

     Come to the A-Mazing Carnival on December 10 at 2-5pm at the Plaza, Kwai Tsing Theatre, you will enjoy improvisational performances dedicated by more than 20 local and overseas groups of roving artists, including Russian deaf theatre group TOYS Theatre and Hong Kong Theatre of the Deaf, who participate in IFIA. They will dance, sing and have fun with friends on the spot in Arts for Everyone Marathon! You will also experience the fun of arts through your five senses in the Tunnel of Sensibility. This large-scale outdoor maze installation for multi senses allows you to not only see with your eyes and hear with your ears, but also touch with your hands and feel with your heart. This is absolutely the best holiday fun for your whole family!

     In addition to the exhibitions and the Carnival, the "Arts and Inclusion ﷿ Opportunities and Challenges" Symposium and three inclusive arts workshops will be held between December 4 and 9. Except for the workshops, all the above-mentioned activities are of free admission and open to the public. Please call the Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong at 2855 9548 or visit www.hkifia.net for details.

     For media enquiries, please contact Miss Winnie Chan at 9471 0010 or Miss Carina Wong at 9268 0326 of the media liaison office.


Ends/Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Issued at HKT 15:33

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