More than 120 colourful big Buddy Bears from Berlin will soon be saying hello to Hong Kong.
The bears are on a world tour and will meet Hong Kong people in May at the United Buddy Bears Exhibition at the Central Lawn of Victoria Park.
Designed by renowned artists of different countries, each design carries special meaning. In the exhibitions around the world, Buddy Bears are all hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder to deliver the message of solidarity, tolerance and understanding among nations.
The event is organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Home Affairs Department and the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation and assisted by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the Tourism Commission and the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Hong Kong.
Incorporate art into daily life
The display of these artistic Buddy Bears in Victoria Park would also help foster public art in Hong Kong, showing the public how art can be incorporated into daily life.
People will be able to see for themselves the tremendous potential of public space in promoting creative culture and art. They will also realise the effectiveness of involving both the artist and the public in enhancing the cultural aspect of life.
Jackie Chan raises the idea
The idea of bringing the Buddy Bears to Hong Kong was initiated by international superstar Jackie Chan
When he was filming in Germany, he was so fascinated by the enchanting Buddy Bears on the streets that he made a special visit to the Buddy Bear workshop of creators Dr Klaus Herlitz and his wife, Eva. Later raised the exhibition proposal with the Hong Kong Government.
In the summer and autumn of 2002, more than 120 Buddy Bears were first displayed in Berlin and the exhibition soon became a signature event, attracting more than 1.5 million visitors.
Bears will be auctioned in Berlin
On completion of the world tour, these Buddy Bears will be sold by auction in Berlin. Money raised will be donated to the United Nations Children's Fund.
One of the aims of the Buddy Bears' trip to Hong Kong is to help raise funds for three charitable organisations - the United Nations Children's Fund, the Community Chest of Hong Kong and the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation.
The exhibition will be held from 8am to 10pm daily from May 16 to June 27. Admission is free.
The exhibition will also organise a variety of related activities, including buddy bear and story book design competition; clay bear, bear puppet and bear-go-round workshops; buddy bear story telling. Souvenirs will be on sale at the showground.
For enquiries and further information, members of the public can call 2414 5555.