Club brings new experience of Central and Sheung Wan to public

20 December 2009

Hong Kong has a unique history, having grown and developed under both British and Chinese sovereignty. Central and Sheung Wan are areas where people can best experience the vivid blending of traditional cultures and new creative art and design elements. To highlight the fascinating fusion of culture and heritage that can be found in this district, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has donated nearly HK$4 million to HULU Culture to organise an exhibition entitled "Heritage x Art x Design Walk (HAD Walk)" from mid-January to mid-March 2010.

Speaking at a press conference to announce the event today (20 December), the Club's Executive Director, Charities, William Y Yiu observed that with roots in Hong Kong going back 125 years, the Club paid much attention to the development of local arts and culture, as well as to heritage conservation. Projects it had supported over the years included arts performances and exhibitions, restorations of historic buildings and the setting up of heritage trails.

"Apart from historic buildings, aspects of intangible heritage such as traditional craftsmanship, rituals and festive events are indispensable components of a city's legacy," Mr Yiu noted. "We believe that HAD Walk will provide a platform for the public to gain a new experience of Central and Sheung Wan by participating in heritage and conservation projects. It will also nurture young people to understand the unique local culture."

Organised by HULU Culture, HAD Walk will take place from 23 January to 13 March 2010 at the former Police Married Quarters on Hollywood Road. The main exhibition will showcase works by 12 talented young artists featuring the buildings and their character, cultural development and history, as well as old shops at the district. A series of design workshops, cultural tours, talks and performances will also be staged, starting with "City Tour in Winter", to be held on 26 December and 2 January. It will comprise a tour of old shops and traditional restaurants in Central and Sheung Wan, giving participants a better understanding of their roots and history.

Further details of HAD Walk can be found at www.huluhk.org/had.

125th Anniversary of The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is celebrating its 125th Anniversary in 2009/10 season. Over the past 125 years, it has become one of Hong Kong's best known and respected organisations, providing the public with world-class sporting entertainment as well as being the city's major non-Government community benefactor, now donating more than HK$1 billion a year to charitable and community projects. It has been a part of Hong Kong through good times and bad, sharing the city's growth and development with its people, and is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for future generations.

Photo 1: The Hong Kong Jockey Club's Executive Director, Charities, William Y Yiu says he hopes the public can learn more about Central and Sheung Wan through "Heritage x Art x Design Walk", through participating in heritage and conservation projects.

Photo 2: From left: Vice Chairman of HULU Culture K T Poon; Project Director of HULU Culture Simon Go; The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Executive Director, Charities, William Y Yiu; and Executive Director of HULU Culture Iman Fok photo at the former Police Married Quarters on Hollywood Road. The olive-shaped container with the abbreviation of "Heritage x Art x Design" (HAD) symbolises the crossover of traditions and innovative culture in Hong Kong.

Photo 3: Photos 3/4: Visiting over 100 old shops, restaurants and galleries in Central and Sheung Wan, and having a chat with the residents, is the best way to better understand the district's history.

Photo 4