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The Art Square at Salisbury Garden, a new art space situated in the forecourt of the Hong Kong Museum of Art, was officially opened today (February 22). Three large scale outdoor sculptures are now on display at its first exposition titled "Heaven, Earth and Man – A Hong Kong Art Exhibition".
The Art Square seeks to provide a cultural oasis where visitors can enjoy art, a garden and the waterfront at the same time. With exhibits renewed regularly by the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Art Square will serve as a versatile open platform for local talent and art displays and other cultural programmes, providing the public with a new art experience.
Speaking at the completion-cum-opening ceremony, the Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Raymond Young, noted that the Leisure and Cultural Services Department is currently working with various stakeholders to enhance the cultural facilities and public spaces of Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. The redevelopment will be delivered in stages and the Art Square is the first stage of the redevelopment project.
Mr Young also said that the completion of the Art Square marks the start of the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront redevelopment plan, which will enhance the aesthetics and functionality of the facilities and public space of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Complex as well as improving its accessibility.
"Along with the relevant government departments we are co-ordinating the re-opening of the pedestrian level crossing facilities at the junction of Salisbury Road and Nathan Road in late June this year. This will improve public access to the Hong Kong Space Museum, Hong Kong Museum of Art and the waterfront area.
"We hope that by the end of this year, the Hong Kong Museum of Art will start on a comprehensive refurbishment and expansion project. The project includes exterior enhancements to the building, extension of the galleries and upgrading of the amenities. The project aims to transform the Hong Kong Museum of Art into a cultural landmark of Tsim Sha Tsui and Hong Kong, as well as a focal point to promote local art development," Mr Young said.
Other officiating guests at the ceremony included the Chairman of the Arts and Culture Co-ordinating Committee of the Yau Tsim Mong District Council, Mr Chris Ip; the Chairman of the Art Museum Advisory Panel, Mr Vincent Lo; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mrs Betty Fung; and the Deputy Director of Architectural Services, Mr Stephen Tang.
To coincide with the completion of the Art Square, its first exhibition opened with the age-old theme of "Heaven, Earth and Man", reflecting on the essence of life in pursuit of harmony between man and nature. Three well-known local artists, Kum Chi-keung, Danny Lee and Rosanna Li, have created large and site-specific sculptures to provide their own contemporary interpretations on this traditional theme while also finding inspiration from daily life and reinterpreting modern man's imagination and dialogue with nature. The exhibition will run until August 30.
For further information, call 2721 0116 or visit the Hong Kong Museum of Art's website at www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/Museum/Arts/en_US/web/ma/exhibition.html#03.
Ends/Saturday, February 22, 2014
Issued at HKT 16:23
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