The Hong Kong Arts Development Council made its first debut at the 2nd China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industry Fair on 18 May with an aim to foster exchanges and collaboration among local, mainland and overseas performing arts organisations.

A pavilion, featuring the work of the ADC and its recipients of the Three-Year and One-Year Grants as well as other performing companies in Hong Kong, was set up in the fair.

To mark this important occasion, the ADC hosted an opening reception at the exhibition centre, with Ms Yan Xiao-pei, Vice Mayor of Shenzhen and Dr Patrick Ho Chi-ping, Secretary for Home Affairs, as the guests-of-honour. Also presiding at the opening reception were Mr Ma Fung-kwok, Chairman of the ADC; Dr Peter K K Wong, Vice Chairman and Council Members.

Speaking at the opening reception, Mr Ma Fung-kwok hoped to foster the cultural exchanges and linkages between Hong Kong and the mainland cities through participating in the Fair, and thus helping local arts groups to explore performing opportunities in the mainland. It was believed that this would help boost the overall arts development and raise the artistic appreciation of people in both Hong Kong and the mainland cities.
 
To demonstrate the uniqueness of the performing arts in Hong Kong, members of the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong and Cantonese Opera Academy of Hong Kong, recipients of the ADC’s One-Year Grant, staged two excellent performances respectively at the reception.

Besides showcasing the works of the ADC and various participating arts groups, there was a video show to give audience a more comprehensive view of the performing arts in Hong Kong.

China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industry Fair is considered as one of China's most international and diversified Cultural Industry Fair. The Fair is open from 18 to 21 May.