Speech by FS at public announcement and reception of Fukuoka Prize 2014 (English only) (with photos/video)
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     Following is the speech delivered by the Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, at the public announcement and reception of the Fukuoka Prize 2014 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre this afternoon (July 23):

Danny, distinguished guests, Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen:

     Good afternoon to you all.

     I am indeed delighted to join you all at the public announcement and reception of the Fukuoka Prize 2014.

     This year marks an important milestone for the Fukuoka Prize. It is indeed the 25th anniversary of the award. Let me, first of all, congratulate the Fukuoka Prize Committee as well as Mr Danny Yung on this very special occasion.

     The Fukuoka Prize was established in 1990 with a singular purpose, that is, to honour people, to honour groups and organisations making significant contributions to preserving and creating the unique and diverse cultural heritage of Asia.

     What makes this year even more special for us is the selection of Mr Danny Yung - a home-grown artist - as the Arts and Culture Prize laureate for the Fukuoka Prize 2014.

     Danny is one of Hong Kong's well-known cultural figures. He is a founding member as well as co-artistic director of Zuni Icosahedron, one of Hong Kong's prominent theatre companies. Danny is a multi-talented artist who has dedicated himself to experimental arts, and he has created many productions in different media, from theatre to animation, film, video as well as visual and installation art. His work has won kudos as well as many admirers in Hong Kong and abroad.

     In recent years, Danny has been involved in the development and preservation of Asian performing arts. He initiated the Toki Project, which aims to preserve Asian artistic traditions, joining forces with renowned artists of Noh theatre, Kunqu opera, classical Thai dance, classical Balinese dance, as well as contemporary dance and drama. The project is designed to promote cultural development in our region through closer collaboration among artists.

     Danny's latest installation "Tian Tian Xiang Shang Gateway" - a huge bamboo flower plaque merging Hong Kong's traditional crafts and contemporary creativity - was on show at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in the United States from late June to early July this year. And I really regret not having the opportunity of seeing that personally. But I have seen some really stunning photographs of that very special occasion, And no doubt, it gave American audiences a striking visual introduction to what Hong Kong is.

     I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation for Danny's contribution in facilitating discussions and independent studies on arts and culture, as well as for his valuable advice on the development of our creative industries, arts education and training of arts professionals.

     Danny, we are grateful to you for all you have done for the enhancement as well as betterment of Hong Kong, and we are also grateful to the Fukuoka Prize Committee for according Danny and Hong Kong this very special recognition and honour.

     Thank you very much.

Ends/Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:11

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