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The second branch of Hong Kong's only Russian art academy and gallery, Anastassia's Art House and Red Square Gallery, was officially opened today (March 26) by Acting Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Simon Galpin, and Consul General of the Russian Federation, Mr Sergey N Gritsay.
Anastassia's Art House is the only Russian art academy in Hong Kong for children and adults which offers an art education with a curriculum based on the Russian fine arts educational system, striking a balance among techniques, creativity, freedom of expression and individuality. The academy was assisted by Invest Hong Kong for both its initial establishment and its expansion.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Galpin welcomed the expansion of Anastassia's Art House and Red Square Gallery. Mr Galpin said, "We are pleased that there is a growing number of art-related business setups in Hong Kong in recent years. It confirms that Hong Kong offers fertile ground for the growth of the culture and art industry."
"In anticipation of the commencement of the West Kowloon Cultural District Project, our city will have a huge demand for different kinds of art and culture products and services, and we are glad that Anastassia is providing support in this respect," Mr Galpin said.
Despite the current difficult financial climate, founder Mrs Anastassia Katafygiotis, a renowned Russian artist and art educator, feels optimistic and has great plans for expansion. "We plan to expand rapidly over the next three to five years in Hong Kong and then further expand in the region. It is very likely that we will be opening a new art studio and gallery in a prominent location, even within this year," said Mrs Katafygiotis.
The art academy employs professional teaching artists from Russia, United Kingdom, United States, Serbia and Hong Kong. Mrs Katafygiotis hopes that the academy will be able to generate more local employment opportunities through its future expansions.
Established in 2006 by Mrs Katafygiotis, the art academy located its first branch in Sai Kung with a mission to expose Hong Kong to the vast wealth of Russian and Western cultural heritage in fine Art.
In 2008, Mrs Katafygiotis incorporated the Red Square Gallery into the academy by exhibiting and selling artworks from the parts of the world that are currently not adequately represented, including Russia, ex-Soviet Union states, ex-Eastern block countries, and the Balkans. Several hundreds of students learn art at the inspiring and motivating gallery environment.
Invest Hong Kong is the award-winning department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government responsible for attracting and facilitating inward investment into the city, by providing free services and support to help overseas, Mainland and Taiwanese companies establish or expand their business presence in Hong Kong. For more information, please visit www.InvestHK.gov.hk .
Anastassia's Art House and Red Square Gallery were founded by renowned Russian artist and art educator, Mrs Anastassia Katafygiotis. It offers a wide range of art classes for children and adults and exhibits artworks from around the world. The art house opened its first branch in Sai Kung in 2006. For more information, please visit www.arthouse-hk.com .
Ends/Thursday, March 26, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:01
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