Speech by Mr Charles Lee (Chairman of Hong Kong Arts Festival Society Ltd) at the 2008 Festival Kick-off Press Conference

16 October 2007

Friends from the media, participating artists, members of the Hong Kong Arts Festival Committees, and friends from the arts and business communities, thank you for joining us here today.

The Festival has established a strong tradition of bringing the best international talent to Hong Kong each year, and providing a showcase for artists in our own community. This is an eagerly anticipated annual event covering many disciplines and interests, and offers something for everyone with an interest in the performing arts, both residents and visitors alike.

The 36^th Hong Kong Arts Festival in 2008 will again feature a stellar cast of performers in works by some of the world’s greatest creative talent. This is possible thanks to the support of many people and organisations. Firstly, I must express appreciation and gratitude to our main subventing organisations – the Hong Kong SAR Government through the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. We are indeed indebted to both organisations for their continued patronage.

In addition, the Festival deeply appreciates the generous support of numerous corporate sponsors, arts organisations and individuals.

Our budget for the 2008 Festival is close to $70 million. We have received a subvention of $15.73 million from the Government through the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. The contribution from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust is about $8 million. The Festival hopes to raise approximately $17 million through sponsorship, donations and the Young Friends Scheme and close to $27 million through ticket sales.

Thanks to the support of numerous corporate and individual donors, we will continue to offer half-price tickets to local students and to extend our outreach activities through the Young Friends Scheme. In this way, we can nurture future audiences and help in furthering the development of the arts for Hong Kong.

Finally, for their continued assistance in promoting the Hong Kong Arts Festival, I would also like to express our appreciation to the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and the Information Services Department (ISD).

Thank you once again for taking the time to be here. In a moment, you will see a sampling of the programmes presented in the 36^th Hong Kong Arts Festival in 2008. We sincerely appreciate your support in bringing these programmes to our audiences, and look forward to seeing you at the Festival.