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The "Friends of Hong Kong Cultural Centre" scheme, which promotes awareness and interest in the arts for the public and the arts lover, is now inviting half-year membership covering the period from July 1 to December 31.

By paying only half of the annual subscription fee, "Friends" can enjoy a full package of benefits including discounts on more than 100 Leisure and Cultural Services Department presentation or sponsorship programmes and Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra concerts held at Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC) and Hong Kong City Hall (HKCH). In addition, "Friends" will be invited to dress rehearsals, lecture demonstrations, meet-the-artists sessions, art institutes visits as well as a free guided tour to the HKCC.

"Friends" may also enjoy special discounts on purchases of CDs, cassette tapes, musical instruments, works of art, books, jewelry, gifts and other merchandises at designated record companies, book shops, art stores and piano companies. They include Hong Kong Book Centre at the HKCC, Tai Yip Art Book Centre at the Museum of Art, Tai Yip City Hall Arts Shop, The Arts Book Shop at Hong Kong Arts Centre, Joint Publishing (Hong Kong) Company Bookshops, Paperus, Paper Art, Showcase J and Primavera.

Other benefits include discounts on art and cultural courses offered by City Contemporary Dance Company, Ad-lib Square, Inspired Dance Education Abecedarian, Earth Cultural Studies Centre, Glass Kaleidoscope Studio and Arts of Guzheng Academy as well as products and services offered by a number of commercial enterprises, eateries, hotels and magazine publishers.

In addition, each member will be kept informed of the latest arts programmes in the city by the monthly Friends newsletter, the HKCC and the HKCH Monthly Event Calendar, and the Arts Library monthly newsletter.

Half-year membership fees for the Friends of HKCC are $75 for individual members, $110 for joint members (two persons) and $35 for senior citizens, people with disabilities and full-time students. At present, number of members exceeds 2,650.

Enrolment forms are obtainable from the HKCC, the Hong City Hall and all URBTIX outlets. Enquiries can be made at 2734 2819.

End/Monday, May 29, 2000

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