Opening Remarks for the Opening Ceremony of The Art School Learning Centre, Hong Kong Arts Centre
Dr Patrick Ho, Chairman of Hong Kong Arts Development Council
Date: April 28, 2001
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Venue: First Floor, East Town Building, 41 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai

Professor Chang, Mrs Law, Dr Sun, Mr Koo, ladies and gentlemen, and friends from the Press,

The Arts and Creativity that Keep Hong Kong Forever Young

Welcome to the grand opening of the Art School organised by the Hong Kong Arts Centre. What we witness here is not only a newly established non-government art school, but also an inspiring spirit of innovation and creativity. Formerly, exhibition, film and video, theatre and education were the four service areas of the Arts Centre; then the education department underwent expansion and was upgraded to the present Art School with its own venue, demonstrating the courage and success of the Arts Centre to carry out reforms and changes.

There is ample academic research to illustrate that arts can cultivate independent thinking, facilitate open communication, enhance self-confidence and foster the faculties of appreciation and creativity. The importance of arts education has been proved in many countries that are now trying out new experiments, studying the effects of arts education over a wide spectrum and working towards its promotion.

Hong Kong, despite our delay in the work of arts education, is a world city that dares to envisage and accommodate innovation and creativity. What we have to do is to catch up and there is no doubt that we can record great achievements. The Education Department has already included arts as one of the eight key learning areas in schools, a decision which reflects great foresight.

The course design of the Art School lays emphasis not only on the cultivation of aesthetic appreciation, but also focuses on the training of professional arts skills and enhancing the entrepreneur image of arts in such a way that qualified personnel are nurtured for the creative industry of Hong Kong.

Creative industry is a high value-added industry within the knowledge-based economy. This is echoed in the report on vision planning released in February by the 'Strategic Development Committee' led by the Chief Executive, the Honourable Mr Tung Kin Wah. The report points out that creative and cultural activities are among the seven fast growing sectors in the future. To promote Hong Kong's creative industry, apart from the training of creative talents by universities, non-government educational organisations and professional unions, it also requires government co-ordination and networking within the industry.

Furthermore, the collaboration with production regions, particularly the cooperation with the Pearl River Delta, is decisive for Hong Kong to play its role in the best possible way.

The Hong Kong Arts Centre is currently one of Hong Kong's commendable organisations supporting folk-arts, and an old comrade of the Arts Development Council. Today, our old friend expands its business and embarks on the most intricate task of arts education. We will stick with each other and offer mutual support and encouragement.

Established in 1995, the Arts Development Council is a relatively younger organisation than the Arts Centre which opened in 1977. It is not until this year that our second interim plan, the impending 'Three-year Plan' that will be publicised in May, is released. In this regard, the Art School of the Arts Centre, filled with dreams and energy, is indeed younger than the Council. This demonstrates the magical quality of arts that keeps us forever young and forever progressive.

Thank you!