Press Releases
Mass percussion performance kicks off International Festival of Inclusive Arts (with photos)
Some 11,000 participants with various abilities from the 18 districts, the
commercial and education sectors, professional and charitable organisations
today (December 2) gathered at Tsim Sha Tsui promenade and Golden Bauhinia
Square, Wan Chai to make a Guinness World Record attempt -- performing with
percussion instruments for 10 minutes.
The event also marked the start of the nine-day International Festival of
Inclusive Arts (IFIA) as well as the International Day of Disabled Persons (IDDP)
2006 which endorsed the message of inclusion.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr
York Chow, noted that the festival was finally being staged after more than a
year of preparation since the Chief Executive announced in his Policy Address
last year the launch of the IFIA. He thanked all involved for promoting the
spirit of harmony and inclusion in the community.
Dr Chow said he was glad to see so many people with different abilities take
part in the drumming event and various performances.
"I am proud that they are so courageous in overcoming obstacles, actively
integrating into and contributing to the society," he said.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the honorable president of the Arts with the
Disabled Association Hong Kong, Dr David Fang, said today's event was a good
illustration of social inclusion and showed that "arts are for everyone".
The chairperson of the Joint Council for the Physically and Mentally Disabled
Hong Kong, Mr Cheung Kin-fai, who was also the chairperson of IDDP organising
committee, said it was heartening to have a joint opening ceremony for IFIA and
IDDP to drive home the message of "A Society for All" and teaming up to foster
an inclusive society for people with or without disabilities.
"Beat the Drum for Inclusion" was the highlight of the opening event. Under the
baton of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra Artistic Director, Mr Yan Huichang,
over 11,000 participants with various abilities teamed up to give a mass
percussion performance, "The Earth Shall Move" with their do-it-yourself musical
instruments with a view to making a Guinness World Record.
In addition to "Beat the Drum for Inclusion", the opening event also featured a
number of performances illustrating the participation and cooperation by people
with different abilities, including "Saori Fashion Extravaganza" and
"18-District Giant Puppet Parade".
Originated from Japan, Saori is a type of free-style weaving suitable for
everyone and is popular among people with disabilities. Local students in
fashion design utilised the woven products by weavers from rehabilitation
organisations to design a series of Saori fashion items. In "Saori Fashion
Extravaganza", models with or without disabilities, including Founder and
Producer of mobileWOMEN.org, USA, Ms Wendy Crawford, Miss Hong Kong and artists,
demonstrated hand in hand the beauty of the extraordinary.
Supported by the 18 district councils and local organisations, the "18-District
Giant Puppet Parade" also showcased a collaboration of people with and without
disabilities. They teamed up to operate giant puppets, based on different fairy
tale characters, showing the unique features of their respective districts.
Organised by the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau and the Arts with the Disabled
Association Hong Kong, the IFIA provides opportunities for people with different
challenges and abilities to collaborate in the arts, fostering a harmonious and
inclusive society.
In the nine-day festival, there were five performing arts events showcasing the
artistic talents of local, Mainland and overseas artists with and without
disabilities; three inclusive arts exhibitions with different themes, a
symposium and multi-media workshops featuring the theme of inclusive arts, and
an extensive outdoor carnival.
For details, please visit the IFIA website at www.hkifia.net.
Ends/Saturday, December 2, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:00
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