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Following is the speech delivered by the Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, at the opening ceremony of DETOUR 2012 this afternoon (November 29):
Alan (Lo) (Chairman of Hong Kong Ambassadors of Design), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon.
I am delighted to join you all for the opening of DETOUR 2012. A warm welcome to all our visitors.
I am pleased to see that DETOUR continues to attract young and talented artists and arts enthusiasts. This annual event is a uniquely creative way of identifying new artistic talent and introducing their work to the wider public.
This year's venue, here in the former Wan Chai Police Married Quarters, continues DETOUR's winning formula of fusing creativity with heritage. Setting DETOUR 2012 in this historic building dares us to explore different possibilities, and venture out of our comfort zones to re-imagine the relationship between public space and the arts.
This event not only brings vitality to this venue, it also showcases a series of cross-cultural and multi-disciplinary exhibitions, installations, stage productions and workshops under the theme "Design Renegade". No doubt, the various events here and around the city will entertain and inspire visitors, and encourage us to embrace the renegade in us all!
The Government is keen to support the city's art activities and creative development. As you may know, we have designated 2012 as "Hong Kong Design Year". DETOUR is among more than 50 programmes celebrating our design excellence this year.
We are also pleased to join hands with our friends from the Mainland and around the region in promoting cross-boundary arts and design collaboration.
It is an honour for me to join you all for this preview of DETOUR 2012. I would like to thank our Ambassadors of Design for their work in nurturing our city's creative talent and providing valuable opportunities and guidance for new and budding artists.
I am sure DETOUR 2012 will be a great success and will, no doubt, provide a fitting climax to "Hong Kong Design Year".
Thank you very much.
Ends/Thursday, November 29, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:12
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