In 2001, the Hong Kong Arts Development Council made its debut at the prestigious Venice Biennale as "Hong Kong, China", showcasting for the first time works by Hong Kong artists to an international audience and opening the channel for greater interaction and exchanges between members of the local and international arts circles. Two years on, the Venice Biennale beckoned once more and Hong Kong artists found themselves once again in the company of the best artists and arts professionals from around the world.

On 13 June 2003. the Hong Kong. China Exhibition at the 50'' Venice Biennale was officially inaugurated by Dr Patrick Ho, JP, Secretary for Home Affairs, who had specially flown to Venice to officiate at the opening.

At the ceremony. Mr Wong Shun-kit, Chairman of ADC's Visual Arts Group and the Deputy Commissioner of this years exhibition, thanked Dr Ho profusely for coming all the way to Venice to boost the morale of the Hong Kong artists. "Having the opportunity to participate in international exhibitions like the Venice Biennale will not only help promote Hong Kong's Visual arts." Mr Wong, said. "but also widen the horizons of Hong Kong artists and enrich their experience."

The theme for Hong Kong's exhibit at this year's Venice Biennale is "Navigating the Dot", conceived and produced by Para/Site Art Space, featuring a group of local artists, curators, researchers, architects, designers, cultural commentators and educators under the Para/Site Collective umbrella, The members of the collective were made up of Mr Tsang Tak-ping; Mr Chan Kai-yin; Ms Liang Kan Yee-woo, Evelyna; Mr Lau Kin-wah, Jaspar; Ms Leung Wan-yee, Janice; Mr Leung Chin-fung; Mr Li Man-wai, Tim; Ms Man Ching-ying, Phoebe; Mr Woo Tam-ming; Ms Wong Chi-hang, Sara; and Ms Yeung Yang. With diverse backgrounds and experiences, they are bonded by a common love of art. By sharing their individual artistic sensibilities and inspirations, they created Navigating the Dot as a collective effort. Para/Site Art Space is also the curator of Hong Kong, China Exhibition.

Converging with the International Arts Scene

In his presentation on Navigating the Dot, Mr Tsang Tak-ping, Chairman of Para/Site Art Space, emphasised the fluidity of the work. It is at once a resting area for visitors and a space for contemplation and imagination. Visitors can navigate on their own within the exhibition to perceive the unique artistic experience of Hong Kong.

Navigating the Dot consists of intersecting channels that provide the connection between Hong Kong and the artistic circles in Venice and the rest of the world. Finding their own way through the maze, visitors can walk, lie down, ponder or even argue with one another to experience the relationship between Hong Kong and Venice or feel the uniqueness of Hong Kong art. It is up to the visitors themselves to decide how they interpret what they see. Led by the artists, the guests entered the maze and experienced first hand the fascinating network that connects Hong Kong with Venice and the international artistic circles. Also joining the tour were Mr Zhang Jian-da and Mr Gao Yun-peng of the Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Italy and members of the Steering Group for this year's exhibition, Mr Chang Tsong-zung and Mrs Alice King.

More than 2,000 guests as well as members of the local and overseas press attended the opening day. The constant stream of visitors kept the artists extremely busy. They had to introduce to visitors the characteristic of the work and, at the same time, field questions from reporters from places like Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the host city, Venice.

The location of the Hong Kong, China Exhibition, near the exit of the second major Exhibition Hall of the Biennale, ensures a constant flow of visitors, many of whom are attracted by the large black posters outside the exhibition. When they enter the venue, which is carpeted all over with artificial grass, they will see multi-coloured seat cushions on the ground and in the channels. In this relaxed and cosy environment, visitors can comprehend the meaning of Navigating the Dot in their own terms.

Networking with the Rest of the World

Dr Ho presided over the Asian Antipasti Dinner that evening to promote exchanges between artists from Hong Kong and Asia. Curators and artists from various Asian countries and regions were invited to discuss the features and development of the visual arts in different parts of the region.

There were around 200 guests at the dinner, including artists from the Para/Site Collective, other Hong Kong artists like Mr Lau Kin-wai and Mr Yan Lei, Chinese-French curator Mr Hou Han-yu and more than 20 artists from Guangdong. Over the dinner, they exchanged with candour and enthusiasm their experiences and thoughts on this year's Venice Biennale.

The Para/Site Collective artists also took advantage of their presence in Venice to visit and study the exhibits of other countries. The Venice Biennale, dating back over a century, is the world's earliest visual arts exhibition. Held every two years for a period of six months, it attracts exhibits from more than 50 countries and territories.

Since its opening, the Hong Kong, China Exhibition has attracted more than 38,000 visitors.

The Hong Kong, China Exhibition is located at Castello 2126, Arsenale, Ramo della Tana, Venice. Running until 2 November 2003, the Exhibition is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm except Tuesdays. Visit the website www.venicebiennale.hk for more information about the exhibition and the artists.