The first large-scale fundraising gala “One Night in Tang Paradise” in support of the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery at City University of Hong Kong (CityU) was held on 26 November. The gala succeeded to raise HK$4 million, which will fund the Gallery’s long-term development and research, driving CityU’s continued efforts to engage the community and promote learning through exhibitions.

Gala attendees included art lovers, CityU supporters and guests representing various sectors. They dressed in magnificent Tang Dynasty and traditional Chinese attire to bring the “One Night in Tang Paradise” theme to life, while the impressive East-meets-West stage performances created an electrifying evening’s entertainment.

 

In his welcoming address, CityU’s President Way Kuo thanked the Caravel Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Harry Banga, and his wife Mrs Indra Banga,  for their unwavering support for the University’s development and for sponsoring the title of the fundraising gala.

“Every dollar you give to CityU, we treat it like ten dollars. We use your money very carefully, to nurture future generations and help the society recognise the importance of integration of technology and arts,” President Kuo said.

“The arts and humanities have long been key to CityU’s well recognised achievement in integrating research and innovation.” President Kuo said. He also expressed his gratitude to the Gala Organising Committee, especially its Chairperson, Ms Catherine Kwai, for organising the gala.

Mrs Banga, Honorary Chairperson of the Gala Organising Committee, said, as a member of the CityU family, she was impressed by how CityU integrates technology in the promotion of art and culture, adding that the Gallery was an important hub for research, education and innovation as well as a venue for exhibitions.

Ms Kwai shared that as an art lover and a friend to CityU, she is delighted to witness the Gallery’s development and growing recognition.

Members of the Gala Organising Committee included Mrs Cecilia Cheung, Mrs Shahneela Faruqui, Mr Maurice Lee, BBS, JP, Dr Denise Lo, Ms Pauline Wei, Professor Matthew Lee Kwok-on, CityU Vice-President (Development and External Relations), and Ms Kathy Chan Yin-ling, CityU Associate Vice-President (Development and Alumni Relations).

The dinner kicked off with a pre-recorded installation of sand painting that depicted images and music from the Tang Dynasty that evolved into images of the modern CityU campus. The video was accompanied by an elegant live Chinese dance performance followed by performances of Chinese drums, Beijing opera and hip-hop dance to represent the Gallery’s East-meets-West features.

President Kuo and Ms Kwai took part in the Chinese drum performance while the highlight of the evening was the Best Costume Award selected by the audience. This portion of the gala event gave guests an opportunity to learn more about life during the Tang Dynasty.

The Indra and Harry Banga Gallery has promoted cultural education through exhibitions that integrate art, science and technology since its establishment in 2016. From Giuseppe Castiglione’s court paintings, French Art Deco to the works of Leonardo Da Vinci, the Gallery has fully utilised CityU’s new media technologies in creating a unique and immersive artistic experience for visitors.