Art In Motion To Promote Festive Hong Kong 2010

CEBU, Philippines - With the continuous celebrations of the Chinese New Year in Hong Kong, a painted tramcar featuring artworks of a tiger and Hong Kong’s colorful festive celebrations appeared in the city last February 5. Rattling through the streets of Hong Kong Island, the tramcar conjures up a festive mood in the advent of this major Chinese festival.

Designed by local artist John Ho, this Chinese New Year-themed tram is one of the painted tramcars under the “Art in Motion” programme by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), which has been launched to enhance the community’s awareness of “Festive Hong Kong 2010”.

The HKTB has invited 12 local illustrators, including famous comic artist Lee Chi Ching, to illustrate “Festive Hong Kong 2010” and the various festivals and cultural celebrations during the year with their creativity and stylish painting. Their artworks will be showcased on the body of Hong Kong’s iconic tramcars, which have been operating in the city for more than a century. They will add to the artistic touch of the city’s streetscape, turning heads as they move along.  

During the launch ceremony, HKTB Chairman Mr James Tien said: “We hope we could bring more residents and visitors to know about ‘Festive Hong Kong 2010’ through the ‘Art in Motion’ programme, and instill greater understanding of the unique festive and cultural activities in Hong Kong as promoted by the Tourism Board. This programme is also part of our effort to promote local art and culture. We do hope it will provide a platform for showcasing the talents of our artists and in turn encourage the creation of art in our city.”

The “Art in Motion” programme will feature 12 tramcars painted in the theme of “Festive Hong Kong 2010”. Depicting the festivals and cultural celebrations during six major promotional windows of the year, they will travel through Hong Kong Island from 5 February until 23 March 2010. The tramcar with the Chinese New Year theme will start running on the streets after the launch ceremony. Another 11 tramcars will join the rank from 10 February 2010. The six major promotional windows of “Festive Hong Kong 2010” are: Chinese New Year Celebration (January and February), Hong Kong Culture Celebration (April and May), Hong Kong Summer Spectacular (July and August), Hong Kong Halloween Treats (September and October), Hong Kong Wine and Dine Month (November) and Hong Kong WinterFest (December).