Tai Kwun celebrates sixth anniversary with a grand “ENCORE!”

Since its opening in May 2018, Tai Kwun has hosted thousands of events, exhibitions, and performances, drawing in crowds of Hong Kongers all year round. With the sixth anniversary of the arts hub coming up, Tai Kwun with its founder and funder Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) calls for an “ENCORE!,” applauding Hong Kong for our support and enthusiasm with a vibrant programme for everyone.

“ENCORE!” includes a new series of guided tours with a focus on Tai Kwun’s architecture and a discussion on China’s heritage conservation and management, alongside a major contemporary art exhibition by pioneering artist Bruce Nauman. A French physical theatre show will liven up the Parade Ground while audiences can enjoy a world-class chamber music performance at JC Cube. As part of the anniversary celebrations, Tai Kwun’s restaurant and bars will also offer limited-time offers and discounts for the occasion.

 

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Guided Tours and Discussions in Tai Kwun

For “ENCORE!,” Tai Kwun is providing two exclusive guided tours on top of its regular guided tours, introducing its participants to the location’s architectural heritage. Architectural Legacy: Guided Tour gives guests an in-depth look into the structures and elements that make up the heritage site, such as the Chinese pan-and-roll tile roof and the European cantilevered staircase as well as the materiality and craftsmanship that created Tai Kwun.

For those more interested in the history of the former police station, the Hidden Spaces Tour allows you to explore its hidden locations, often off-limits to the public. Experience firsthand the journey through the hidden stairs that bring defendants from the underground cell to the Magistracy, the thick-walled prison cells that have been transformed into backstage dressing rooms, and the underground tunnel that leads to an air raid shelter.

“ENCORE!” will also feature the second session of Tai Kwun Conversations: Chinese Cultural Heritage Series, “Interpretation and Uses of Heritage in Urban and Rural China.” Led by Dr. Kuanghan Li and Prof. Richard Engelhardt, the two discuss the strategies in interpreting and conserving Chinese heritage in the context of mass urbanisation.

 

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Bruce Nauman

The first of its kind in Hong Kong, a survey exhibition of renowned American contemporary artist Bruce Nauman covering his life’s works and legacy will be presented at Tai Kwun Contemporary for “ENCORE!.” The exhibition is based primarily on works from the Pinault Collection and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, supplemented with loans from Tate, The Museum of Modern Art (New York), Dia Art Foundation, and The Sonnabend Collection Foundation, and curated in collaboration with the Bruce Nauman Studio.

The exhibition highlights the fundamental elements present throughout Nauman’s career and the experimental nature of his approach. Constantly exploring and pushing the boundaries of artistic practice, his rich body of work covers photography, performance, sculpture, video, and more. The exhibition will run from May 15 to August 18, with tickets available online and on-site.

 

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Partner Programmes and Tenant Offers

“ENCORE!” will also include a few exciting Partner Programmes. The Parade Ground will welcome the French May Arts Festival with Möbius in May, an exploration of the outer confined of acrobatics inspired by the choreography of nature. The Musicus Society will present concertos by C.P.E. Bach and J.S. Bach featuring Musicus Artistic Director and cellist Trey Lee alongside violinist Aaron Chan. Accompanying the performance is The Art of Rejuvenation, created by new media artist Phoebe Hui who transformed musical inputs into visual representations.

Aside from being an arts hub, Tai Kwun also hosts several restaurants and bars. These tenants will be offering limited-time deals such as happy hours, festive cocktails and mocktails, and exclusive menus and sets as part of the anniversary celebrations.

For more details on the programme and ticketing, check out the official webpage.

(Images: Tai Kwun)