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The following is issued on behalf of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority:
Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chairman of the Board of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, Mr Henry Tang, at a media session on the appointment of Chief Executive Officer of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority at Central Government Offices today (March 24):
Good afternoon. Today I am very pleased to announce the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority.
After months of intensive global search and a highly competitive process, and with the approval of the Chief Executive, the Authority at today's Board meeting agreed to appoint Mr Graham Sheffield as the CEO of the Authority.
Mr Sheffield is currently the Artistic Director of the world-renowned Barbican Centre in London, one of the world's largest integrated multi arts centres.
For the past 15 years, Mr Sheffield has led the artistic vision, policy and strategy for this famous arts institution. His work spans multiple art forms, including performing arts, visual arts, film and much more.
As an adept arts administrator, Mr Sheffield oversees a considerable operating budget and leads the marketing, new media and customer experience functions at Barbican.
Apart from his artistic and administrative achievements, Graham puts strong emphasis on developing artistic talent and has a remarkable track record in arts education and audience building.
More importantly, Graham has the vision and passion to work together with the local arts and culture community, as well as the Hong Kong public, to build a truly world-class arts and culture centre in West Kowloon that every Hong Kong citizen will be proud of.
The Board was deeply impressed by Graham's arts credential, his extensive network in the international arts circle, his focus on arts education, his experience in managing a top arts institution and, above all, his passion and commitment to the WKCD project. We are confident he will help realise our vision about West Kowloon, and we look forward to working closely with him when he formally takes up the CEO post in August.
We are happy we've got the right man for the job.
Graham, welcome on board.
Reporter: What makes Mr Sheffield the better candidate than all the other local talents?
Chairman of the Board of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority: Yes, the selection process was rigorous. We look for the best person for the job and we are very pleased to appoint Mr Graham Sheffield as our CEO.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Issued at HKT 18:47
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