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The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, today (January 10) visited the Savannah College of Art and Design Hong Kong (SCAD Hong Kong) and the Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre (JCCAC) to learn more about how the organisations help support the development of cultural and creative industries.
Mr So first visited the SCAD Hong Kong campus, which was opened in September 2010 through the revitalisation and conversion of the former North Kowloon Magistracy in Tai Po Road, Sham Shui Po. He was told by the Associate Vice President of SCAD Hong Kong, Mr Grant Preisser, that the university provides up to 800 places for local and overseas students for the study of various disciplines relating to digital media, fashion and fine art.
Mr So toured the function rooms, some of which were converted from the conserved jail cells and court room.
"I am impressed by the college's efforts in nurturing local creative talents and attracting students from around the region. SCAD Hong Kong not only provides excellent learning opportunities for them, but also enhances Hong Kong's competitiveness in digital media and creative industries. This is in line with our strategy in promoting the development of creative industries," Mr So said.
Mr So then proceeded to the JCCAC, which was opened in 2008. JCCAC is an innovative arts project that involved converting a nine-storey decommissioned factory estate in Shek Kip Mei into a multi-disciplinary artists' centre. It is a self-financed, non-profit-making registered charity with the aims of providing space for artistic creation, nurturing young talents and promoting arts and culture.
Mr So was briefed by the Executive Director of the JCCAC, Ms Lillian Hau. He learnt that the JCCAC currently provides over 100 studio units for lease to individual artists and arts groups. In addition, it runs a black box theatre and two galleries for public hire.
Mr So then toured different levels of the centre to see for himself the art studios of artists and arts groups stationed there. He appreciated their artworks and had friendly chats with them on the development of creative industries in Hong Kong before concluding his visit.
Ends/Thursday, January 10, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:18
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