The Club has been supporting the Hong Kong Arts Festival since its launch in 1973. A new funding mode was introduced in 2008, whereby funds are approved three years in advance. This arrangement provides an average of HK$7 million annually and enables the Festival to bring in three main pillar programmes for each year’s Festival. One performance of each pillar programme is designated “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series”. The Club also funds two complimentary student matinees and supports a transport subsidy scheme, as well as “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Contemporary Dance Series”, which promotes local dance development.