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The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Housing Authority:
The Yau Tong community's collective visions and efforts for sustainability and harmony is showcased in a massive mural unveiled today (December 3). Measuring 26 metres in length and 4 metres in height, the artwork is a culmination of a series of activities organized by the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) to promote community spirit and local participation.
At the unveiling ceremony, Ms Ada Fung, Deputy Director of Housing (Development & Construction), said, "Members of Yau Tong community should be justly proud of themselves. This is so much more than a wall mural. It embraces the passion of the Yau Tong community. People from different age groups and backgrounds have cooperated to bring about an impressive art piece, amalgamating a diversity of styles and demonstrating the vibrancy of their community."
The eponymous artwork was an amalgam of the winning entries in the mural design competition titled "Let's Give Yau Tong a New Look". As part of the Yau Tong development, the HA joined forces with the Housing Committee of the Kwun Tong District Council, Yau Tong Net, Yau Tong Churches Network, the Estate Management Advisory Committee of Yau Tong Estate and the Hong Kong Mural Society in hosting a number of activities, including workshops and the mural design competition.
Ms Fung added, "Community members always find this kind of participative activities a rewarding experience to contribute their ideas and talents, in time to see them gradually materialized. The HA has been working closely with community groups, tenants and corporations in the neighbourhood of public housing estates to bring about works of art or greening that reflect the uniqueness and foster the pride of the community."
The Yau Tong mural project was a continuation of the HA's endeavours to engage the public in community-building. In Cheung Wang Estate, Tsing Yi, there is a 128-metre long mural born of a similar nature in 2004.
At the ceremony, prizes were also presented to the 25 winners in the mural design competition. Their designs have been blended into the Yau Tong Mural unveiled today. Yau Tong is now endowed with a picture encompassing local heritage and culture in a creative composition.
Ends/Sunday, December 3, 2006
Issued at HKT 14:06
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