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The new round of Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC) "Arts and Crafts Fair" will kick off tomorrow (January 1) featuring over 100 stalls for sales of arts and crafts items, and various service stalls at the HKCC Piazza until June 30, 2003.

There are 65 arts and crafts stalls and they can operate in the afternoons of Sundays and selected Public Holidays during the arts fair period.

The array of arts and crafts stalls include iron-twisting products; floral handicraft; wood-crafting; woolen knit; carving; crystal accessories; cloth-made products; glass products; pottery; knot-tying arts; flour-making products and hand-painted T-shirts etc.

As for the service stalls, there are 43 stalls including 20 photography stalls and other services like painting, sketching, body arts painting, calligraphy and silhouette cutting. Operators can provide convenient services to HKCC visitors daily during the arts fair period.

A spokesman for the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) said, "Members of the public have responded very enthusiastically to the arts fair. We have received a total of 538 applications and the overall stalls are of a reasonably good standard.

"Same as last round, the arts fair this time will last for a period of six months in view of its popularity

"For photography services, the qualified are of good standard. However, due to limitation of the number of stalls, we had to draw lots and selected 20 out of 120", he added.

The "HKCC Arts and Crafts Fair" is aimed at providing a platform for arts practitioners to demonstrate their creativity and exchange experiences with visitors and arts-lovers, promoting the venue as a vibrant place for creative arts and enhancing its attractiveness for both local residents and tourists.

The vetting panel of the arts fair included art advisor, representatives from the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), arts promotion, culture & performing arts, and the HKCC. They were Mr Leung Kui Ting, Art Advisor of LCSD; Miss Lesley Lau, Curator (Arts Promotion Office) of LCSD; Mr Horace Leung, Senior Executive, Product Development of HKTB; Ms Vivienne Li, Chief Manager (Urban Venues) of LCSD and Mr William Yan, Senior Manager (Marketing) of HKCC.

Applications for the arts fair were assessed in accordance with the uniqueness of the products/services, their quality and artistic skills.

To add festive atmosphere to the venue, a variety show featuring Jazz music, Jazz and Hip Hop dance, clown and street juggling performances will also be held tomorrow, bringing a delightful afternoon to members of the public.

End/Tuesday, December 31, 2002

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