Twelve big Buddy Bears have arrived from Germany, and local artists will soon colour them to express their feelings about Hong Kong and their wishes for peace.

The United Buddy Bears Exhibition, being held in Hong Kong for the first time, will be staged at Victoria Park from May 16 to June 27. More than 130 bears will be displayed to promote love, peace, solidarity and art.

Among the bears to be displayed, 12 will be coloured by local painters and 120 are designed by overseas artists.

The Leisure & Cultural Services Department said the exhibition is a golden opportunity for cultural exchange, as works from so many countries will be displayed.

Messages of peace and love

The bears will stand hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder to form a circle to give the message of peace, solidarity and love.

Through viewing the bears, visitors will gain a better understanding of different cultures, and also see artists' message for peace.

Visitors will also see the tremendous potential of public space in promoting creative culture and art, and the effectiveness of artists and the public in enhancing life's cultural aspects.

Funds raised at the event will help the HK Committee for the United Nations Children's Fund, the Community Chest and the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation.