Arts arena: Permanent Secretary for Housing, Planning & Lands Thomas Chan (right) officiates at the opening ceremony of Tung Chung Artwalk Stage 2.

The Housing Authority has opened the second phase of the Tung Chung Artwalk, an outdoor arena for 26 artistic creations by local artists at Yat Tung Estate in Tung Chung.

The public housing estate is the to launch a large public art scheme. Sixteen of the artworks have been on display since the first phase of the Artwalk was opened in 2002.

Another 10 art pieces selected from more than 200 submissions received through an open competition have now been added. The complete collection is arranged in the open area of Yat Tung Estate, forming a trail for art appreciation.

Officiating at the opening ceremony, Permanent Secretary for Housing, Planning & Lands (Housing) Thomas Chan said every one of these 26 extraordinary artworks, each inspired in its own way by Tung Chung's development from a fishing village to a vibrant new town, is a testament to the historical changes of this township.

"Local culture runs deep in the heart of these art pieces. They will certainly add to the attraction of the area," Mr Chan said.

The brainchild of the authority, Tung Chung Artwalk is a joint effort with the Leisure & Cultural Services Department.

An open competition, "New Face of Heritage", was co-organised to invite submissions for the project's second phase. At today's opening ceremony, prizes were presented to the creators of the three "Best Implemented Art Pieces", which were judged on criteria ranging from creativity and aesthetic impact, to skill and quality.