The Hong Kong Arts Development Council and MTR Property Management, in a joint initiative to promote the arts, are now providing local artists and arts groups with free performance and exhibition venues in four MTR shopping centres. Open on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, the Art Boutique in Telford Plaza, Paradise Mall, Luk Yeung Galleria and Maritime Square will make different art forms more accessible to the public, thereby enriching the pleasure and enjoyment of the experience.

Officiated by Professor Chan Wing-wah, Chairman of Arts Promotion Committee of the ADC, and Mr K M Chan, Senior Shopping Centre Manager of MTR Property Management, a launching ceremony was held on 3 August at the Maritime Square. Providing more excitement to the event, performances were staged by City Contemporary Dance Company, Japanese drummer Kumi Masunaga, Clash Theatre Group and the Hong Kong Treble Choir.

During the opening, Maritime Square vibrated to the strong rhythms of African drums, led by Kumi Masunaga with the two officiating guests rolling up their sleeves and joining in the fun. Just as the drumbeats rolled to a halt, over 40 children from the Hong Kong Treble Choir burst into song along the promenade outside the shopping centre. Despite the blazing sun, their flawless rendition of children's songs attracted a sizeable crowd which clapped and sang along with the children on stage.

After the choral performance, members from the Clash Theatre Group instructed the children about how they could make percussion music with everyday objects like cups, plates and other cookware. In addition, in his lively story-telling style, Yuen Che-hung, better known as Uncle Bear, held the children spellbound with his fairy tales.

The Art Boutique welcomes different kinds of performances or exhibitions, including music, dance, drama, art, literature, pottery, photography. Selected artists/ arts groups will be provided with assistance and support for their performances or exhibitions.