The 49th Venice Biennial will be held from June to November 2001. Having renowned for over a hundred years since its inception in 1985, the Venice Biennial is the world's earliest visual arts biennial. It has received great support and recognition from the international visual arts community with about 50 countries and regions participating annually in the event.

Following the Hong Kong International Film Festival, the Hong Kong Arts Development Council joins hands again with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and takes part in this biennial international arts forum under the name of 'Hong Kong, China' for the first time. The participation aims to promote cultural exchange between Hong Kong and countries from all over the world.

The Hong Kong Pavilion is located at the Musicanti Saint Apollonia beside St Marco Square. Mr Chang Tsong-zung is the curator of the exhibition and participating artists include Mr Leung Chi-wo, Mr Ho Siu-kee and Ms Ellen Pau. 'Magic at Street Level' is the theme of the biennial exhibition that focuses on the existing problems of modern cities. The rapid pace of the Hong Kong city, and the interrelationship and development of multifarious changes have combined to bring stimulations and challenges to the arts practitioners.

The press conference for the 49th Venice Biennial was held on 23rd March 2001 at the Hong Kong Museum of Art. Guests for the occasion included Dr Patrick Ho, Chairman of the Arts Development Council, Ms Choi Suk-kuen, Deputy Director (Culture) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Mr Tang Hoi-chiu, Acting Chief Curator of the Hong Kong Museum of Art and Mr Wong Shun-kit, Chairman of the Visual Arts Committee of the Arts Development Council.

Upon the closing of the Venice Biennial, the organizing authority will invite the chief curator of the Biennial, Professor Harald Szeemann, to visit Hong Kong and conduct seminars for cultural exchange. The artworks of the Hong Kong participating artists at the Biennial will also be arranged for exhibition at the venues of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department for public appreciation.

Reported by:

Wendy Lam
Department of Development, Marketing and Corporate Communications
23/03/2001