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The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam, continued her visit to Europe in Venice, Italy today (May 7, Venice time).
Mrs Lam departed Rome for Venice in the morning. In the afternoon, Mrs Lam attended the opening ceremony of the Chinese Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, which is regarded as one of the world's most important contemporary art events. Hong Kong has participated at the Biennale on eight occasions, and this year marked the second time that the Hong Kong Arts Development Council and the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA) have jointly presented a Hong Kong artist at the Biennale. Mrs Lam is Chairman of the WKCDA Board.
Following her visit to the Chinese Pavilion, Mrs Lam was given a preview of the Hong Kong Pavilion, which features video installations by talented young Hong Kong artist Mr Tsang Kin-wah, before officiating at the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Pavilion in her capacity as Chairman of the WKCDA.
"The West Kowloon Cultural District is a leading example of the HKSAR Government's commitment to promoting arts and culture in Hong Kong. I hope that all of you will be able to visit Hong Kong and the West Kowloon Cultural District in the years to come and enjoy an extraordinary cultural experience that embraces the best of East and West," said Mrs Lam at the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Pavilion.
Mrs Lam then paid a short visit to the Macau Pavilion, which is next to the Hong Kong Pavilion. In the evening, Mrs Lam will meet with the President of Venice Biennale, Mr Paolo Baratta, to exchange views on arts development, before attending a reception hosted by the Biennale to meet with key figures in the arts and culture sector who are in Venice for the Biennale.
Mrs Lam will continue her visit to Venice tomorrow (May 8).
Ends/Thursday, May 7, 2015
Issued at HKT 23:09
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