Abstract view: Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing examines art on display in Hong Kong Park, submitted for the Art in the Park bracket of the Budding Winter programme.

The Home Affairs Bureau and four universities have launched large-scale arts programme Budding Winter to nurture young artists and bring arts to the community.

Launching the scheme today, Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing said the two-month project will engage more than 180 artists to show how art can go beyond the walls of museums and galleries with 90 exhibitions in Hong Kong, Kowloon, Sha Tin and Tuen Mun Parks.

"We are giving our young artists the first opportunity to display works in the public sphere, in the open space where they can experiment with their ideas and through their art, converse with the public. This is also an opportunity for the community to actively and physically embrace the arts in a more lively environment so they too can interact," Mr Tsang said, adding the Government is considering displaying some of the student art at Shanghai Expo 2010.

The programme's highlights include:

* Art in the Park, showcasing contemporary outdoor art from university students and young artists in Hong Kong's parks;

* Fun Park Day, featuring family activities;

* music and dance performances in parks;

* free public and school tours to arts venues; and,

* artist village and art gallery open day guided tours.

The project will also go into local schools and reach out to the tourist community.

Participating universities have offered lectures on art appreciation to schoolteachers.

In the coming two months guided tours for students will be organised, with more than 4,000 students register for 200 guided tours so far.