The Hong Kong Jockey Club announced today (17 March) that experienced arts professional Timothy Calnin has been appointed as Director of CPS of The Jockey Club CPS Limited (JCCPS), trading as Tai Kwun: Centre for Heritage and Art, to succeed Euan Upston who has decided not to renew his contract upon its expiry in mid-2017.

Mr Calnin will report for duty in mid-April 2017 as Director of CPS (Designate) to oversee and lead the management and operations of Tai Kwun at the Central Police Station compound.  Mr Upston will remain in office until the end of his contract after which time he will continue to advise on the project.

The Club's Executive Director, Charities and Community, Leong Cheung said, “I would like to thank Euan for his contributions to this significant heritage conservation project.  Euan has provided essential operational input to help define key features of the site’s facilities and played a key role in engaging stakeholders. He has built up an effective team to plan heritage and art programmes and prepare site readiness, including providing on-the-job training for staff at all levels. Euan is a valued team leader, and I regret but respect his decision.”

“I would also like to welcome Timothy who will lead Tai Kwun as it enters its operational phase. Timothy brings to Tai Kwun three decades of arts management experience, including general management and operation of arts organisations in various parts of the world, encompassing planning, programming, education and professional development, and community and stakeholder engagement.   Timothy has an in-depth understanding of arts operations at heritage sites, most notably at the Sydney Opera House, which is a World Heritage Site listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and in planning for a new home for the Australia Chamber Orchestra at the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, a heritage site.  Timothy is no stranger to Hong Kong, having worked here for six years as artistic consultant then chief executive of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.  With a solid cultural management background and an understanding of Hong Kong, Timothy can help build Tai Kwun into a leading cultural destination with integrated offerings for all to enjoy,” Mr Cheung said.

Mr Upston said, “The last three years have been an amazing journey and an important chapter in my career. It has been an honour to be a part of this great project and I am sure, under the capable leadership of Timothy, Tai Kwun will thrive and become a much-loved cultural destination.”

Mr Calnin said, “I am deeply honoured and proud to take up this exciting challenge at this important moment in the evolution of Tai Kwun.  The Central Police Station compound is a remarkable jewel in the heart of Hong Kong, which is poised to assume a tremendously significant role in the cultural life of a city which I love.  I salute Euan for his leadership in establishing the team which will bring this extraordinary concept to the public and I look forward to building close partnerships with the JCCPS Board, the team, stakeholders and the community to ensure that Tai Kwun realises its full and inspiring potential.”

About Tai Kwun: Centre for Heritage and Art
Tai Kwun is the trading name of The Jockey Club CPS Limited, the not-for-profit operator set up by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust to operate the centre for heritage and art at the revitalised Central Police Station compound. The Central Police Station Revitalisation Project is a partnership between the Government of the Hong Kong SAR and The Hong Kong Jockey Club.

Tai Kwun (in Chinese: 大館 and meaning the Big Station) was the colloquial name used by police officers and the public alike to refer to the former Police Headquarters and the law enforcement complex. The name has been adopted by The Jockey Club CPS Limited as a reminder of the historical importance of the compound.

Attachment: Timothy Calnin’s biography