History
In the late 1960s, the City Hall was the only venue for contemporary arts in Hong Kong and there was a serious lack of space for art and cultural activities. In 1968, several art associations and groups wrote to the Hong Kong Government to request the grant of a piece of land on which to build an arts centre. S. F. Bailey, the Secretary General of the University Grants Committee, led the campaign. He officially obtained legal rights for the group in June 1971 and successfully acquired a piece of reclaimed land near Gloucester Road in Wanchai from the government after years of negotiation.
Afterwards, Bailey and the art associations campaigned to generate funds and interest in the idea of an arts centre, whilst simultaneously launching the actual construction. When only half of the required $28 million was raised construction was halted and unable to continue until Hong Kong Governor Sir Murray MacLehose applied for loans using a government warrant. Li Choh-ming, the first Vice-Chancellor of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, was the first Chairman of the Arts Centre, Sir Run Run Shaw was the first Vice-chairman, and Neil Duncan was the first General Manager.
The Hong Kong Arts Centre was inaugurated by the Governor on 14 October 1977.
Read more about this topic: Hong Kong Arts Centre
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