The Hong Kong Arts Development Council in collaboration with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department took part in the Venice Biennial 2001 under the banner of "Hong Kong, China" for the very first time, a major debut for Hong Kong visual arts in international arts scene.

With the theme of "Magic at Street Level" developed by Mr Chang Tsong-zung (Curator), works of the artists, Mr Leung Chi-wo, Mr Ho Siu-kee and Ms Ellen Pau, were presented to tens of thousands of international audience at the exhibition site located at the Musicanti S. Apollonia.

To foster cultural exchange, a study group comprising eight members was organised to take part in the exhibition. Members of the study group included Mr Kwok Mang-ho, Ms Leung Po-shan, Ms Phoebe Man Ching-ying, Mr Lau Kin-wah, Mr Steven Pang Ka-wing, Ms Leung Mee-ping, Mr Tam Wai-ping and Mr Tsang Tak-ping.

Being the Co-commissioners, Dr Patrick Ho, Chairman of the Arts Development Council led a 7-member strong delegation to take part in the Biennial. Delegates included Mr Tony Ma, Assistant Director of Leisure and Cultural Services (Heritage and Museum); Dr Christina Chu, Chief Curator of the Hong Kong Museum of Art; Mr Wong Shun-kit, Chairman of the ADC Visual Arts Committee; Mr Yu Shu-tak, Chairman of the ADC Arts Education Committee; Dr David Clarke and Mr Louis Yu, members of the Curatorial Selection Panel.

On 6 June, a gathering specially designed for artists and curators from the Asia-Pacific region - "Asian Antipasti Dinner" was organised on Torcello Island, with an aim of enhancing cultural exchange in the region. The event was well attended by over 180 artists and curators. Besides the introduction of Hong Kong visual arts by Dr Patrick Ho and Mr Chang Tsong-zung, representatives from Singapore, Korea, Taiwan and Japan were also keen on sharing their views and experiences.

A reception to mark the launch of the Hong Kong Exhibition Site was held at 3 pm on 8 June at the Hotel Bauer. Joining the ceremony were Mr Gao Yun-peng, Secretary of the Embassy of the People Republic of China in Italy; representatives of other participating countries and cities; local critics and media.

To commemorate the occasion, the ADC had invited Mr Lung Heung-wing, the Principal Percussion of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, and his eleven years old Mark Lung to stage two excellent performances "Dragon Wings" and "Sending Flowers".

Following the opening ceremony, guests were escorted to the Hong Kong Exhibition Site. As part of the exhibition programme, guests were served with a "sky cookie" and a cup of green tea at the site. More than 5,000 audience visited the site on the first two days.

The Hong Kong delegation led by Dr Patrick Ho also participated in the Grand Opening of the Venice Biennial on 9 June.

The Venice Biennial will open till November 4 this year. When it comes to a close, the works of the Hong Kong artists will be displayed at various exhibition venues of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, providing the people of Hong Kong an opportunity to savour the fruits of this grand event at the Venice Biennial.