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The arts have an important role to play in tackling social issues and bringing about positive social outcomes. Through the opportunities they provide for expression, they empower individuals and communities, build character and promote social inclusion.

This March, the Club’s Charities Trust and the Hong Kong Arts Festival (HKAF) Society are co-presenting the brand new “No Limits” project. Comprising seven dance, theatre, music and other arts performances, as well as a series of education and community programmes, “No Limits” is aimed at exploring and promoting inclusiveness through the arts, providing opportunities for people with different abilities to enjoy and participate in arts performances.  

The seven performances are: the opening dance show Gala by French choreographer Jérôme Bel; drama King Arthur’s Night by Canada’s Neworld Theatre with a cast from British Columbia’s Down Syndome Research Foundation; the immersive artwork Reassembled, Slightly Askew by Shannon Yee; the Little Soldiers concert by Singaporean singer Hanjin Tan, Harris Ho and friends with hearing or visual impairment; a non-verbal interactive performance Mother by Kuro Tanino and Caspar Pichner; a Violin Recital by visually-impaired musician Ding Yijie; and the documentary film Itzhak about the story of Itzhak Perlman, a renowned violinist who contracted polio as a child.

To make these productions more accessible to the disabled, services such as audio descriptions in Cantonese, Hong Kong sign language interpretation and theatrical interpretations areavailable at selected performances. “Relaxed performances” have also been arranged with a welcoming attitude towards audience noise and movement, adjustable light and sound levels, and designated chill-out zones, creating a supportive atmosphere for audience members with different abilities.

Complementing the performances, the Jockey Club “No Limits” Education and Community Programme was launched at the end of 2018 to further enhance understanding and inclusiveness in the community.

Music demonstration tours and train-the-trainer workshops are among the events being organised. Under an Artists-in-Residence Programme, the UK-based Candoco Dance Company has been invited to explore the possibilities of contemporary dance with local dancers of different abilities and backgrounds.