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A cultural project entitled "Hong Kong + Japan: Crossing Partnership in Creativity", which aims to enhance bilateral relationships, stimulate creativity and encourage exchanges between Hong Kong and Japan, was launched in Tokyo today (May 15).
Organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Tokyo) (HKETO), the project comprises a "Tian Tian Xiang Shang" statue exhibition cum art workshop, which is being held from today to May 20, as well as a Creative Asia Forum officiated by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, today.
Through these events, the office hopes to reach out to a wider spectrum of people, comprising both professionals and the general public, and promote interaction at different levels.
Delivering a keynote speech at the forum, Mr So said the Hong Kong Government aims to strengthen creative collaboration between Hong Kong and Japan through the project.
"Through co-operation and mutual understanding we can expand the creative circle of both places by bringing more creative thinkers together and nurturing creative talents to enhance our overall competitiveness," he said.
Mr So also gave an update on the government efforts to make Hong Kong a more creative and innovative city, pointing out that creative and cultural industries have been identified as one of six areas in which there is great potential for growth and development.
"We have made it a priority to support the development of our creative sector by, among other things, providing space, supporting events and nurturing creative talents," he said.
Noting the many common characteristics the two places possess, Mr So said he believes Hong Kong and Japan are ideal creative partners, and that greater collaboration can promote a more creative and competitive Asia.
Before officiating at the forum, Mr So toured the "Tian Tian Xiang Shang" statue exhibition, at which more than 300 "Tian Tian Xiang Shang" statues of different heights are on display.
In addition to displaying a 5-metre-tall statue, the exhibition also features 65 half-metre-tall statues improvised by Hong Kong designers and 100 12-centimetre-tall statues made by Hong Kong students, along with another 64 half-metre-tall statues improvised by Japanese designers and 125 12cm-tall statues designed by Japanese students.
The artworks by Japanese students came from two art workshops organised by the HKETO and conducted by the creator of the "Tian Tian Xiang Shang" statues, Mr Danny Yung, at a primary school in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, in April.
The "Hong Kong + Japan: Crossing Partnership in Creativity" project is co-organised with the Hong Kong art association Zuni Icosahedron and Design Association NPO in Tokyo. The supporting organisations are the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Hong Kong Design Centre.
The event also marks Hong Kong Design Year 2012 and celebrates the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
More details about the project can be found at www.hkj-creative.asia.
Ends/Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Issued at HKT 14:29
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