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Dragon and Lion Dance Extravaganza 2014 Design Your Happy Face Competition

Exhibition dates: 22.01.2014 - 24.02.2014
Venue: Sheung Wan Station

Exhibition dates: 10.10.2013 to 04.11.2013
Venue:Yau Tong Station
Co-organised with: Lion Dance Extravaganza

Press Release Content:
A creative new twist comes to Chinese culture this Lunar New Year. The traditional mask designs for the smiling Big Head Buddhas that lead lion dances all across town have been given multiple makeovers in an art project involving students, public figures and local celebrities.

Starting today, passengers can stop by to see 29 colourful mini-masks on display at MTR Yau Tong Station at an "art in mtr – roving art" exhibition entitled "Dragon and Lion Dance Extravaganza 2014 Design Your Happy Face Competition".

"It's fascinating to see the many different ways in which an icon so deeply rooted in Chinese culture has been refreshed by people young and old from different walks of life. While the Buddha's face may have changed, his smile still shines through in the different designs. We hope these colourful, creative exhibits will make our passengers smile adding to the auspicious joy of the Year of the Horse," said Mr Jay Walder, Chief Executive Officer of MTR Corporation.

The hand-size masks on display were created by members of the public as entries for the 'Design Your Happy Face Competition' held in October and November 2013 in the run-up to the Dragon and Lion Dance Extravaganza 2014 held on 1 January 2014. Among the exhibits are pieces made by public figures and local celebrities.

"Our vision is to promote the culture of dragon and lion dances to the younger generation and at the same time encourage social cohesion through positive thinking and enhance the happiness in society in 2014. The 'art in mtr – roving art' exhibition offers us an excellent opportunity to reach out to more members of the community to appreciate the beauty and versatility of dragon and lion dances," said Mr Ngan Man-yu, Deputy Secretary of the Dragon and Lion Dance Extravaganza 2014.

Passengers can visit the "Dragon and Lion Dance Extravaganza 2014 Design Your Happy Face Competition" exhibition at the concourse of MTR Yau Tong Station up to 24 February or at MTR Sheung Wan Station from 27 February to 31 March.

"art in mtr – roving art" is an on-going initiative featuring temporary art exhibitions at different MTR stations.

About 10 exhibitions are held each year to promote local artistic talent and the public's appreciation of art.