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More than 50 pieces of artwork, including sculptures, ink-painting, print-making, painting and ceramics, created by 55 graduating students of the Art Specialist Course 2005-06 will go on display at the Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre from tomorrow (January 11) until January 23.
The exhibition, ¡°Art Specialist Course Graduation Exhibition 2005-06¡±, featuring work in a variety of media, showcases the achievements of 55 budding artists during the year. This is also one of the fringe programmes of the Hong Kong Art Biennial 2005.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the exhibition today (January 10), the Assistant Director (Heritage and Museums) of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Gerard Tsang Chu-chui, said the promotion and development of arts and culture was one of the main missions of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
¡°The future of art rests with the younger generation and cultivating the talent of young artists is of great importance and is one of our main concerns.
¡°Over the past four years, the Art Specialist Course has nurtured about 200 graduates. Many of them, with devoted enthusiasm in artistic pursuits, are beginning to make their presence felt in the local art scene. While their works were selected in open competitions such as the Tea Wares by Hong Kong Potters and the Hong Kong Art Biennial 2005, some were presented in solo and joint exhibitions organised by art galleries and art spaces, and some have joined to form new art groups and societies.
¡°We sincerely hope that this budding force can grow and enrich the art and cultural terrain of Hong Kong,¡± Mr Tsang said.
Organised by the Art Promotion Office (APO), the nine-month Art Specialist Course provides advanced and specialised training in the disciplines of ink painting, painting, printmaking, ceramics and sculpture to those who are devoted to and possess a fundamental knowledge of art. Course students learn firsthand from practising artists about technical skills and the local art scene, and are led to take their first steps into the arena of artistic creations.
During the past year, 38 instructors and guest lecturers offered their expertise and insights through studio tuitions, lectures, visits or informal meetings with the students. The course consists of four basic components - class meetings, studio sessions, special lectures and the graduation exhibition.
The 2006-07 Art Specialist Course is due to begin in early March. For enquiries about the course content, please call 3101 2734 or visit the APO¡¯s website http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/apo/.
The Visual Arts Centre is located at 7A Kennedy Road, Central, Hong Kong. It is open daily except Tuesdays from 10am to 9pm. Admission is free. For enquiries, call 2521 3008.
Ends/Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:01
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