History of the Hong Kong Arts Centre
The “Artistic Trinity” of Hong Kong - an account of the Hong Kong Arts Centre
Introduction
Pre-1977: Before the birth of HKAC
First decade: the embodiment of a dream (1977-1986)
This first decade was “the dream comes true”. Overseas Masters and local talents were featured in the Inaugural Exhibition, including Monet, Giacometti, Paul Klee, Chao Shao-an, Koo Mei, Gaylord Chan and others. In 1983, the Pao Galleries hosted Hong Kong’s first Video Art Exhibition, followed by the first installation arts exhibition in 1985. Ranging from avant-garde cartoon by Danny Yung in 1979 to masterly works of Zao Wou-ki in 1982, the HKAC began to take the lead to shape the Hong Kong art scene.
Outlook of HKAC (1980s)
First decade: the embodiment of a dream (1977-1986)
This first decade was “the dream comes true”. Overseas Masters and local talents were featured in the Inaugural Exhibition, including Monet, Giacometti, Paul Klee, Chao Shao-an, Koo Mei, Gaylord Chan and others. In 1983, the Pao Galleries hosted Hong Kong’s first Video Art Exhibition, followed by the first installation arts exhibition in 1985. Ranging from avant-garde cartoon by Danny Yung in 1979 to masterly works of Zao Wou-ki in 1982, the HKAC began to take the lead to shape the Hong Kong art scene.
Tao Ho explaining the plan of building HKAC to Sir and Lady Maclehose.
(Photo taken approx. In 1972)
First decade: the embodiment of a dream (1977-1986)
This first decade was “the dream comes true”. Overseas Masters and local talents were featured in the Inaugural Exhibition, including Monet, Giacometti, Paul Klee, Chao Shao-an, Koo Mei, Gaylord Chan and others. In 1983, the Pao Galleries hosted Hong Kong’s first Video Art Exhibition, followed by the first installation arts exhibition in 1985. Ranging from avant-garde cartoon by Danny Yung in 1979 to masterly works of Zao Wou-ki in 1982, the HKAC began to take the lead to shape the Hong Kong art scene.
HKAC Opening Ceremony (1977)
First decade: the embodiment of a dream (1977-1986)
This first decade was “the dream comes true”. Overseas Masters and local talents were featured in the Inaugural Exhibition, including Monet, Giacometti, Paul Klee, Chao Shao-an, Koo Mei, Gaylord Chan and others. In 1983, the Pao Galleries hosted Hong Kong’s first Video Art Exhibition, followed by the first installation arts exhibition in 1985. Ranging from avant-garde cartoon by Danny Yung in 1979 to masterly works of Zao Wou-ki in 1982, the HKAC began to take the lead to shape the Hong Kong art scene.
HKAC Inaugural Exhibition 1977
First decade: the embodiment of a dream (1977-1986)
This first decade was “the dream comes true”. Overseas Masters and local talents were featured in the Inaugural Exhibition, including Monet, Giacometti, Paul Klee, Chao Shao-an, Koo Mei, Gaylord Chan and others. In 1983, the Pao Galleries hosted Hong Kong’s first Video Art Exhibition, followed by the first installation arts exhibition in 1985. Ranging from avant-garde cartoon by Danny Yung in 1979 to masterly works of Zao Wou-ki in 1982, the HKAC began to take the lead to shape the Hong Kong art scene.
ifva ad on Artslink in 1995
Second decade: towards multi-arts (1987-1996)
In the second decade, the HKAC focused on diversification of the arts scene and pioneered into new realms. In 1988, the basement studio was converted into an avant-garde cinema, bringing forth the latest trends to the art scene. The HKAC also spearheaded the Hong Kong Independent Video Competition (i.e. ifva), which has impacted generations of Hong Kong and Mainland independent filmmakers. Meanwhile, HKAC rented out spaces to foster young local arts groups to further diversify the Hong Kong arts scene.
Second decade: towards multi-arts (1987-1996)
In the second decade, the HKAC focused on diversification of the arts scene and pioneered into new realms. In 1988, the basement studio was converted into an avant-garde cinema, bringing forth the latest trends to the art scene. The HKAC also spearheaded the Hong Kong Independent Video Competition (i.e. ifva), which has impacted generations of Hong Kong and Mainland independent filmmakers. Meanwhile, HKAC rented out spaces to foster young local arts groups to further diversify the Hong Kong arts scene.
Hong Kong Art School (Shau Kei Wan Campus)
Third decade: step up for contemporary arts and arts education (1997-2006)
PAHK project: Park Déco - Assembled Topology by Douglas Ho at Quarry Bay Park
Third decade: step up for contemporary arts and arts education (1997-2006)
PAHK project: Kneeling Figure by Joy Brown at HKAC
Third decade: step up for contemporary arts and arts education (1997-2006)
PAHK project: History and Imagination - Whampoa by Lam Tung-pang at MTR Whampoa Station
Third decade: step up for contemporary arts and arts education (1997-2006)
PAHK project: Park Déco - Branches by Cyrus Chung at Quarry Bay Park
Third decade: step up for contemporary arts and arts education (1997-2006)
Comix Home Base (Mallory Street, Wan Chai)
Fourth decade: arts blooms everywhere (2007-2016)
In the fourth decade, the HKAC further expanded its range of programmes beyond the HKAC building. Street Music Series begun in 2009, and took local indie music outdoor. ifva held its first media art carnival at the Hong Kong harbour front in 2016. The HKAC ventured into filmmaking and produced the award-winning Big Blue Lake (2011) and Flowing Stories (2014). Exchange programmes were initiated, including the cross-cultural-media programme of A Taste of Hong Kong (Belgium), plus the participation of international events including the Angouleme International Comics Festival (France) and the Setouchi Triennale (Japan). At home, Artist Home Base was established (2012) to provide artist-in-residence and Comix Home Base, Hong Kong first comics and animation arts venue, was opened (2013). Annual Flagship Exhibition was launched (2009) to showcase the best Asian contemporary arts and Collectors’ Contemporary Collaboration was initiated (2013) on Asian collectorship.
Fourth decade: arts blooms everywhere (2007-2016)
In the fourth decade, the HKAC further expanded its range of programmes beyond the HKAC building. Street Music Series begun in 2009, and took local indie music outdoor. ifva held its first media art carnival at the Hong Kong harbour front in 2016. The HKAC ventured into filmmaking and produced the award-winning Big Blue Lake (2011) and Flowing Stories (2014). Exchange programmes were initiated, including the cross-cultural-media programme of A Taste of Hong Kong (Belgium), plus the participation of international events including the Angouleme International Comics Festival (France) and the Setouchi Triennale (Japan). At home, Artist Home Base was established (2012) to provide artist-in-residence and Comix Home Base, Hong Kong first comics and animation arts venue, was opened (2013). Annual Flagship Exhibition was launched (2009) to showcase the best Asian contemporary arts and Collectors’ Contemporary Collaboration was initiated (2013) on Asian collectorship.
Fourth decade: arts blooms everywhere (2007-2016)
In the fourth decade, the HKAC further expanded its range of programmes beyond the HKAC building. Street Music Series begun in 2009, and took local indie music outdoor. ifva held its first media art carnival at the Hong Kong harbour front in 2016. The HKAC ventured into filmmaking and produced the award-winning Big Blue Lake (2011) and Flowing Stories (2014). Exchange programmes were initiated, including the cross-cultural-media programme of A Taste of Hong Kong (Belgium), plus the participation of international events including the Angouleme International Comics Festival (France) and the Setouchi Triennale (Japan). At home, Artist Home Base was established (2012) to provide artist-in-residence and Comix Home Base, Hong Kong first comics and animation arts venue, was opened (2013). Annual Flagship Exhibition was launched (2009) to showcase the best Asian contemporary arts and Collectors’ Contemporary Collaboration was initiated (2013) on Asian collectorship.
Jockey Club Street Music Series
Fourth decade: arts blooms everywhere (2007-2016)
In the fourth decade, the HKAC further expanded its range of programmes beyond the HKAC building. Street Music Series begun in 2009, and took local indie music outdoor. ifva held its first media art carnival at the Hong Kong harbour front in 2016. The HKAC ventured into filmmaking and produced the award-winning Big Blue Lake (2011) and Flowing Stories (2014). Exchange programmes were initiated, including the cross-cultural-media programme of A Taste of Hong Kong (Belgium), plus the participation of international events including the Angouleme International Comics Festival (France) and the Setouchi Triennale (Japan). At home, Artist Home Base was established (2012) to provide artist-in-residence and Comix Home Base, Hong Kong first comics and animation arts venue, was opened (2013). Annual Flagship Exhibition was launched (2009) to showcase the best Asian contemporary arts and Collectors’ Contemporary Collaboration was initiated (2013) on Asian collectorship.
Artist Home Base (exterior)
Fourth decade: arts blooms everywhere (2007-2016)
In the fourth decade, the HKAC further expanded its range of programmes beyond the HKAC building. Street Music Series begun in 2009, and took local indie music outdoor. ifva held its first media art carnival at the Hong Kong harbour front in 2016. The HKAC ventured into filmmaking and produced the award-winning Big Blue Lake (2011) and Flowing Stories (2014). Exchange programmes were initiated, including the cross-cultural-media programme of A Taste of Hong Kong (Belgium), plus the participation of international events including the Angouleme International Comics Festival (France) and the Setouchi Triennale (Japan). At home, Artist Home Base was established (2012) to provide artist-in-residence and Comix Home Base, Hong Kong first comics and animation arts venue, was opened (2013). Annual Flagship Exhibition was launched (2009) to showcase the best Asian contemporary arts and Collectors’ Contemporary Collaboration was initiated (2013) on Asian collectorship.
Artist Home Base (interior)
Fourth decade: arts blooms everywhere (2007-2016)
In the fourth decade, the HKAC further expanded its range of programmes beyond the HKAC building. Street Music Series begun in 2009, and took local indie music outdoor. ifva held its first media art carnival at the Hong Kong harbour front in 2016. The HKAC ventured into filmmaking and produced the award-winning Big Blue Lake (2011) and Flowing Stories (2014). Exchange programmes were initiated, including the cross-cultural-media programme of A Taste of Hong Kong (Belgium), plus the participation of international events including the Angouleme International Comics Festival (France) and the Setouchi Triennale (Japan). At home, Artist Home Base was established (2012) to provide artist-in-residence and Comix Home Base, Hong Kong first comics and animation arts venue, was opened (2013). Annual Flagship Exhibition was launched (2009) to showcase the best Asian contemporary arts and Collectors’ Contemporary Collaboration was initiated (2013) on Asian collectorship.
Louis Koo Cinema
Fourth decade: arts blooms everywhere (2007-2016)
In the fourth decade, the HKAC further expanded its range of programmes beyond the HKAC building. Street Music Series begun in 2009, and took local indie music outdoor. ifva held its first media art carnival at the Hong Kong harbour front in 2016. The HKAC ventured into filmmaking and produced the award-winning Big Blue Lake (2011) and Flowing Stories (2014). Exchange programmes were initiated, including the cross-cultural-media programme of A Taste of Hong Kong (Belgium), plus the participation of international events including the Angouleme International Comics Festival (France) and the Setouchi Triennale (Japan). At home, Artist Home Base was established (2012) to provide artist-in-residence and Comix Home Base, Hong Kong first comics and animation arts venue, was opened (2013). Annual Flagship Exhibition was launched (2009) to showcase the best Asian contemporary arts and Collectors’ Contemporary Collaboration was initiated (2013) on Asian collectorship.
4th Collectors’ Contemporary Collaborations
Fourth decade: arts blooms everywhere (2007-2016)
In the fourth decade, the HKAC further expanded its range of programmes beyond the HKAC building. Street Music Series begun in 2009, and took local indie music outdoor. ifva held its first media art carnival at the Hong Kong harbour front in 2016. The HKAC ventured into filmmaking and produced the award-winning Big Blue Lake (2011) and Flowing Stories (2014). Exchange programmes were initiated, including the cross-cultural-media programme of A Taste of Hong Kong (Belgium), plus the participation of international events including the Angouleme International Comics Festival (France) and the Setouchi Triennale (Japan). At home, Artist Home Base was established (2012) to provide artist-in-residence and Comix Home Base, Hong Kong first comics and animation arts venue, was opened (2013). Annual Flagship Exhibition was launched (2009) to showcase the best Asian contemporary arts and Collectors’ Contemporary Collaboration was initiated (2013) on Asian collectorship.
4th Collectors' Contemporary Collaborations: Hi, Konnichiwa (Hello)! Pochi (left) and Hi, Konnichiwa (Hello)! Yayoi-chan by Yayoi Kusama
Fourth decade: arts blooms everywhere (2007-2016)
In the fourth decade, the HKAC further expanded its range of programmes beyond the HKAC building. Street Music Series begun in 2009, and took local indie music outdoor. ifva held its first media art carnival at the Hong Kong harbour front in 2016. The HKAC ventured into filmmaking and produced the award-winning Big Blue Lake (2011) and Flowing Stories (2014). Exchange programmes were initiated, including the cross-cultural-media programme of A Taste of Hong Kong (Belgium), plus the participation of international events including the Angouleme International Comics Festival (France) and the Setouchi Triennale (Japan). At home, Artist Home Base was established (2012) to provide artist-in-residence and Comix Home Base, Hong Kong first comics and animation arts venue, was opened (2013). Annual Flagship Exhibition was launched (2009) to showcase the best Asian contemporary arts and Collectors’ Contemporary Collaboration was initiated (2013) on Asian collectorship.
