With a view to building a culturally vibrant city, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has offered continued support for arts, culture and heritage in Hong Kong, one of four strategic focus areas for the Club’s Charities Trust’s contributions. In 1977, the Club funded the original construction cost of the Hong Kong Arts Centre (HKAC) and has been contributing to its renovation and maintenance over the years. In 2014, the Trust granted HKAC a further HK$68 million to renovate and upgrade the facilities of its main building and the renovation has been completed. Today (29 September), the Club's Chairman Anthony W K Chow joined HKSAR Chief Executive the Hon Carrie Lam and Chairman of the HKAC Board of Governors Dominica Yang at the opening ceremony of the 40th Anniversary Flagship Exhibition cum reopening ceremony of the Centre.

Mr Chow believed that with the upgraded facilities, HKAC would continue to advance the arts in Hong Kong and showcase the wealth of talent our city possessed. “The Club’s long and continuing support for HKAC reflected its strong commitment to arts, culture and heritage in Hong Kong,” he added, “through our support, we aim to build a culturally vibrant city, to enrich citizens’ lives and to promote social inclusion.”

The renovation work enables HKAC’s main building facilities to comply with the latest regulations on architectural, mechanical and engineering safety standards. It also improves energy efficiency, enhances operational performance and equips the building with barrier-free facilities. Programme promotion will also be improved through the installation of digital signage on external wall and indoor areas.

The Club has been contributing to HKAC’s capital works for four decades, including its initial construction cost, refurbishment and maintenance. The Club has also funded HKAC’s programmes aimed at developing local talent, including the Jockey Club Street Music Series and Jockey Club ifva Everywhere. The total donations have now reached HK$172 million. To acknowledge this continued support, HKAC recognises the Trust as its “Partner in Arts”.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class racing club that acts continuously for the betterment of our society. The Club has a unique integrated business model, comprising racing and racecourse entertainment, a membership club, responsible sports wagering and lottery, and charity and community contribution. Through this model, the Club generates economic and social value for the community and supports the Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2017/18, the Club made a record return to the Government of HK$22.6 billion in duty and profits tax and contributed HK$1.2 billion to the Lotteries Fund. Approved charity donations were HK$4.2 billion. The Club is Hong Kong's largest single taxpayer and one of the city’s major employers. Its Charities Trust is also one of the world's top ten charity donors. The Club is always "riding high together for a better future" with the people of Hong Kong.