Cultural kaleidoscope: Performing arts groups and visual artists will join forces to stage Hong Kong's largest cultural programme held outside the city, at World Expo 2010 Shanghai.

Performing arts groups and visual artists will join forces to stage Hong Kong's largest cultural programme held outside the city, at World Expo 2010 Shanghai.

They will showcase their talent and creativity by holding more than 70 performances of 26 programmes plus four visual art exhibitions under the Creativity - Connectivity - Vibrance theme during the six-month expo period.

Speaking at the Connect to Hong Kong - A Cultural Kaleidoscope for Expo 2010 press conference today, Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs Raymond Young said the collaboration of local performers and visual artists with cultural organisations, venues and museums in Shanghai shows the close ties between the two cities.

Director of Leisure & Cultural Services Betty Fung said the variety of art forms from some of Hong Kong's best known and respected cultural talent, as well as the next generation of young and emerging stars, will highlight the city's unique cultural scene and provide an exchange platform for artists in Hong Kong and the Mainland.

The 24 local arts groups will also perform at Shanghai's Grand Theatre, Oriental Art Centre, Theatre Academy and Concert Hall, showcasing Cantonese opera, Chinese and western music, dance, drama, opera, music theatre and multimedia performances.

Visual art displays

Two large visual art exhibitions will be jointly presented by the Hong Kong Museum of Art and two top Shanghai museums. They will reflect the culture and lifestyle of Hong Kong people and complement the expo theme of Better City, Better Life.

The first will run July 16 to August 9 at the Shanghai Art Museum and charts the development of the new ink art movement and contemporary ink painting and calligraphy in Hong Kong.

The second will be held October 15 to November 12 at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Shanghai, covering multimedia, installation and painting works to showcase the value and identity of contemporary art in various media and reflect the special characteristics of Hong Kong.

Tickets will be available on Hong Kong's Expo 2010 Shanghai website.