Quotidian Architectures Venice Biennale Response Exhibition Opens in Hong Kong

HONG KONG, May 3, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Following participation in the internationally acclaimed Venice Biennale 12^th International Architecture Exhibition, Quotidian Architectures Venice Biennale Response Exhibition opens in Hong Kong on April 30.

Jointly organized by the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) and the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC), the exhibition is a continuation of the Hong Kong Pavilion of 2010 Venice Biennale 12th International Architecture Exhibition which was held in Italy late last year attracting around 44,000 international visitors. The organizers are now bringing the response exhibition to its home audience in Hong Kong.

An Opening Ceremony was held at the Former Central Police Station Compound on April 30 to mark the inauguration of the exhibition, with Miss Elizabeth Tse, Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Communications & Technology) as the Officiating Guest and Ms. Alessandra Schiavo, The Consul General of Italy as the Guest of Honour.

At the Opening Ceremony, Ms. Juan Du, Co-Curator of the exhibition, announced the official opening of the exhibition featuring cross-disciplinary design projects that are inspired by the creativity and intelligence of daily life in Hong Kong. Following the ceremony, guests and visitors were led by curators through the exhibition, ending with a reception of popular local street treats. A discussion forum was also held after the ceremony which celebrates the opening of the exhibition by focusing on two important aspects of everyday life -- clothing and food.  The discussion forum included Hong Kong and overseas guest speakers from diverse backgrounds of design, literature, fashion, art and architecture.

Ms. Alessandra Schiavo, The Consul General of Italy, said, "The contribution that Hong Kong gave last year - for the third time in a row - to the 'Biennale di Architettura di Venezia' was precious, lively and original. It reflected the unique character of Hong Kong people, who evolve fast in a very fast environment and are very creative. It also showed the convergence of the quest of many architects, coming both from Hong Kong and from Italy - a country with outstanding architectural traditions - for new designs and new projects, capable of satisfying the lifestyles and needs of the XXI century."

Mr. Dominic Lam, President of HKIA said: "HKIA is very delighted to co-organize the Biennale with HKADC for the 3^rd time to showcase our architectural arts in this world-renowned event. To ride on the success of the première in Venice in last autumn, the Response Exhibition will provide an opportunity for local general public to enjoy the exhibition. Visitors will find architecture and design which demonstrate their creativity and innovation by engaging to the unique urban environment and the ecology of the city."

Speaking on behalf of HKADC, Mr. Wilfred Wong, SBS, JP, Chairman said: "As its co-organiser, we not only provide the exhibition with a strategic venue in Venice; we also offer our experience at previous biennales to assist with its planning, coordination and implementation. Our past three years at the architecture exhibition have been a proven success, attracting a total of around 100,000 visitors."

Quotidian Architectures explores inventive ideas and responsible practices of architecture for everyday living. With twelve core exhibits, the exhibition focuses on six core necessities: clothing, food, dwelling, transport, education & leisure and examines through each how architecture can make a meaningful difference in the urban environment through learning from the daily life of Hong Kong.  For the Response Exhibition, socially conscious projects from both the local and international design communities are also showcased through the format of four bi-weekly rotating exhibitions.

The Quotidian Architectures Venice Biennale Response Exhibition is open to the public from 30^th April, 2011 – 25^th June 2011 at the Former Central Police Station Compound, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong. Throughout the exhibition period, there will be a series of Rotating Exhibitions as well as Forum Discussions. Opening hours from Tuesdays through Sundays are 10am to 6pm (Mondays closed). Free Admission. The event is funded byCreate Hong Kong and the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and sponsored by Sino Forest Corporation, Orient Overseas Container Line, Faculty of Architecture of the University of Hong Kong and Rising Aerial Platform.

For details and event schedule of the Quotidian Architectures Venice Biennale Response Exhibition in Hong Kong, please visit our website: www.venicebiennale.hk/vb2010

Headed by Juan Du and Chad McKee, the curatorial team includes Mary Chan and Giulia Foscari. The steering committee is composed of Franky Choi, Stephen Ho, Errol Patrick Hugh, Anna Kwong, Joshua Lau, Betty Mak, Ellen Ngan, Winnie Yip and Franklin Yu.

To find details on each exhibitor, please refer to the enclosed exhibitors list.

For high-resolution photos, please download them here: www.creativegp.com/QAVB/Opening_EventPhotos.zip

For editors:

Established in 1895, the Venice Biennale is one of the most influential cultural institutions for promoting new directions in art and design. The 2010 Venice Biennale 12^th International Architecture Exhibition was held last fall in Italy and marks the third time Hong Kong has participated in this prestigious event. Having successfully attracted around 44,000 international visitors in Venice, the 2011 Venice Biennale Response Exhibition brings the Quotidian Architectures Exhibition to its home audience in Hong Kong.

Jointly organized by the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) and the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC), the Quotidian Architectures Venice Biennale Response Exhibition displays collaborative works of Hong Kong architects and visionaries.

List of Exhibitors

For further information, please contact:

Ms. Winki Cheng
Exhibition Secretariat Office
Hong Kong Institute of Architects
Tel: +852-2805-7302
Email: vb2010@hkia.net
www.hkia.net

Ms. Penn Leung
Exhibition Media Relations Consultant
Tel: +852-2372-0090
Mobile: +852-6077-7342
Email: penn@creativegp.com