Art in MTR

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Swift and Safe by Gayloard Chan, part of the "Art in MTR" campaign in the Hong Kong Station - Central Subway.

The "Art in MTR" initiative has been a success since its reception in 1998, with the objective "not only bring MTR passengers more time for life, but also more time for art". The Airport Express Artwork Programme was the pioneer project. Thereafter, live performances, art exhibitions, display of artwork by established and emerging artists, students and young children have been brought into the MTR stations. The MTRC have even made art part of the station architecture when building new stations or renovating existing ones.

By incorporating elements of art into the railway network, the Corporation not only enhances the travelling environment for the passengers, but also makes their journets even more pleasant and enjoyable. Moreover, with MTR stations being an integral part of the neighbourhood, the programme also provides opportunities to promote Hong Kong's community art, encourage art appreciation among the public and give residents a feeling of home at the stations.

[edit] Arttube

Located near Entrance / Exit J of Central Station, the "Arttube" is a mini art gallery created to provide a platform for aspiring artists, designers and talented individuals in the creative industries to showcase their works.

Since its inception in December 2003, the "arttube" has hosted numerous exhibitions of both two-dimensional and three-dimensional art creations.

The "arttube" is to help groom emerging artists, enhance public interest in the visual arts, and provide the public with yet another opportunity to appreciate the artistic talents and cultural heritage of Hong Kong.

[edit] Community art galleries

In February 2000, the two footbridges adjoining Lam Tin Station were converted into a community art gallery for the display of paintings and drawings by students from school or artists from local groups in the Lam Tin area.

Following this success, community art galleries have been extended to other stations of the network. There are now a total of 21 such galleries in the MTR system. All have become highly popular venues for the local community to showcase their artworks.

[edit] Living art

A stage for living art performances.

By staging living musical and theatrical performances at MTR stations, the living art programme adds an interactive dimension into the "Art in MTR" Initiative.

Starting in October 2004, the Hong Kong Station-Central Station Subway has benn converted to a stage for professional artists and amateur performers to demonstrate their artistic talents to the public. Performances are held every Friday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.. Passengers can relax and take a break from the stress and pressure of city life.

[edit] Open art gallery

The open art gallery was unveiled in August 2000 with the aim of improving the travelling environment for passengers by exhibiting drawings of renowned artists at various MTR stations on the Island Line.

The open art gallery features 14 reproductions of paintings by renowned Hong Kong artists in 13 stations, each presenting a different aspect of local life and culture and adding an artistic spark to passengers' journeys.

In addition, three giant photographs depicting Hong Kong's natural habitat have been displayed at Kwun Tong Station since 1999 to give MTR passengers a close encounter with nature.

[edit] Roving art

The "roving art" programme features temporary art exhibitions at various MTR stations. Organisations are invited to exhibit their artwork at an MTR station of their choice, usually one that is close to their own location. The aim of the programme is to promote community art by providing a venue for local artists to showcase their works.

Since its inauguration in July 2000, numerous roving art exhibitions have been held at different stations within the MTR network.

[edit] Art in station architecture

The art in station architecture programme was introduced in 1998 when the Airport Railway commenced service. In addition to contemporary art pieces being installed at MTR and Airport Express stations, artworks are also incorporated into the actual design of station architecture.

At present, around 20 pieces of art have been introduced at various stations as part of the station architecture: