Press Release (Immediate)
(Hong Kong January 25, 2017)
Ding Ding to Kowloon
Come and Experience a Memorable Tram Ride
A group of 11 photographers, namely, “Tram Chasers”, have followed trams passionately and visited depots in order to capture unique and stunning images, and produce interesting videos. With the great support from Hong Kong Tramways to lend their valuable and historic artefacts to Jao Tsung-I Academy (JTIA) for exhibition, the dream of Ding Ding to Kowloon comes true.
Irene Flanhardt is the curator of this exhibition which showcases images in thematic series, tram artefacts, oil paintings, videos and anonymous motormen’s stories. We invite you to join us for this special tram ride which will bring you an unforgettable experience. We hope that you can treasure your riding experience and realize how the tramways have contributed to our society.
Organisers: Tram Chasers | Hong Kong Tramways | Jao Tsung-I Academy
Date: 10 Feb 2017 – 14 March 2017 (Tue – Sun, closed on Mon)
Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Venue: Hall 2 & 3, The Gallery, Jao Tsung-I Academy (800 Castle Peak Road, Kowloon)
Program highlights include:
* a time-lapse video on advertisement installation on a tram body
* exhibits of tram memorabilia
* unique and interesting images in the series “Following Trams in 24 Hours”
* rare images taken at Whitty Street Tram Depot’s workshop where trams were made
* oil paintings depicting activities at the depot
* lucky draws for “TramOramic Tour” tickets
* a sharing session on 18 Feb 2017
Opening Ceremony: 10 Feb 2017 (Fri)
Time: 3 p.m.
Venue: Hall 2, The Gallery, Jao Tsung-I Academy
Officiating Guests:
i) Florence Hui, Under Secretary for Home Affairs
ii) Cyril Aubin, General Manager, Hong Kong Tramways
iii) Mr. Antoine Sambin, Commercial and Corporate Affairs Manager, Hong Kong Tramways
iv) K. K. Wong, Vice Chairman, Management Board of Jao Tsung-I Academy
iv) Mike Lai, Chief Executive Officer, Jao Tsung-I Academy
v) Johnathan Somerville, Chief Executive Officer – Hong Kong & Overseas, Pacific Coffee Co. Ltd.
vi) Mrs. Irene Flanhardt, exhibition curator
Sharing Session: 18 Feb 2017 (Sat)
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Venue: Hall 2, The Gallery, Jao Tsung-I Academy
Speakers:
i) Mr. Cyril Aubin, General Manager, Hong Kong Tramways
ii) Mr. Antoine Sambin, Commercial and Corporate Affairs Manager, Hong Kong Tramways
Exhibition webpage: www.jtia.hk/exh_dingding
In the series “Following Trams in 24 Hours”, a group of tram chasers (Wesley Chan, Karen Choi, Irene Flanhardt, Joe Lee, Bosco Li, Bona Liu, Marissa Reyes, Calvin Sit, Jimmy Tsang, Alan Tse and John Yan) captured many unique and interesting images of various scenes in every hour. They depict scenes in various lighting, weather and road conditions, the landmark buildings on Hong Kong Island, the passengers’ moods, the much-sought after tram numbered 120 (which still retains the 1949 post-war style) and the tram maintenance team at work in the early morning hours after trams stopped running. It is a montage with street and ding-ding sound effects combining various scenes on a long journey which starts from the depot and finishes at the depot.
The tram chasers also captured activities such as tram building in the workshop, maintenance and repair, advertisement installation, tram cleaning and safety checks at Whitty Street Tram Depot as well as tram parking at Sai Wan Ho Tram Depot. Trams are now 100% made in Hong Kong. Other parts in this exhibition are “Anonymous Motormen’s Stories” and “Silent Heroes” which concern the working life of tram staff. We hope that the viewers can treasure their riding experiences and realise how the tramways have contributed to our society. Trams have become part of our way of life, accessible to all within our society. Trams are also our collective memories.
Bringing “Ding Ding” to JTIA in Kowloon is a significant breakthrough. JTIA is a cluster of grade III historic buildings perching on a hillside oasis and is revitalized into a cultural hub. JTIA shares a similar mission of the most iconic and ingenious Hong Kong Tramways to protect our heritage and develop our recognition in Hong Kong.
Photos and Exhibits
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In Harmony with Nature, Karen Choi |
Chun Yeung Street at Night, Bona Liu |
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Drum Controller |
Gear Indicator |
About Tram Chasers
“Tram Chasers” is a group formed by Irene Flanhardt in 2015. It consists of 11 photographers who share a common interest; they follow trams with passion and take photos. They have captured many unique and interesting images. This exhibition “Ding Ding to Kowloon” would not have been possible without the tremendous assistance rendered by Hong Kong Tramways to allow them privileged access to both Whitty Street and Sai Wan Ho Tram Depots for shooting. Thank you very much indeed. All the photos taken by “Tram Chasers” in the recent years have built very strong archives which show how the tramways have contributed to our society.
The group’s first exhibition “Following Trams 04:06 – 01:07 and Two Depots” was held in 2015; it was very well-received. Some of the photographers in this group have exhibited with Irene at various venues since 2012.
Facebook: Tram Chasers
About Hong Kong Tramways
Hong Kong Tramways (HKT) has been serving Hong Kong since 1904 and operates nowadays a fleet of 164 tramcars including 2 antique party tramcars and 1 unique sightseeing tramcar – TramOramic. It is the world’s largest fleet of double-deck tramcars in operation, carrying an average of 200,000 passengers every day. On Hong Kong Island there are 6 tram routes running both eastbound and westbound; the longest route being from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan. HKT keeps up efforts in developing a world-wide recognized icon while striving to go beyond the expectations of the 21st century passengers to offer the greenest, most affordable and most space efficient transport mode in Hong Kong.
HKT is wholly owned by RATP Dev Transdev Asia, an Asian joint venture between RATP Dev and Transdev, since April 2010.
About Jao Tsung-I Academy
Sprawling on an oasis hillside in Lai Chi Kok with a cluster of grade III historic buildings, Jao Tsung-I Academy (JTIA) is an award winning project under the first batch of the “Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme” of the HKSAR Government. It is revitalized into a hub to promote cultural and educational activities with the theme of “Cultural Heritage”, operated by an NGO, the Hong Kong Institute for Promotion of Chinese Culture (HKIPCC). The Academy is named in honor of Professor Jao Tsung-i, for his extraordinary academic contributions towards Sinology. JTIA is a cultural landmark promoting Chinese culture, facilitating cultural exchanges, and contributing to society at large. By organizing various exhibitions, seminars, workshops, performing arts, education programmes in this cultural hub, JTIA encourages the general public in experiencing a unique cultural heritage in Hong Kong.
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Sponsor: Pacific Coffee Co. Ltd. |
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For enquiries, please contact:
1)Tram Chasers:
Irene Flanhardt (curator) Tel: 9042 9868 Email: ireneflanhardt@gmail.com
2) Hong Kong Tramways:
Sarah Lee (PR consultant) Tel: 2114 2103 Email: sarah.lee@hkcg.com.hk
Joey Lam (PR consultant) Tel: 2864 4865 Email: joey.lam@hkcg.com.hk
3) Jao Tsung-I Academy:
Jess Lam (exhibition & program) Tel: 2100 2889 Email: 電郵：jesslam@jtia.hk
Connie Yip (marketing & PR) Tel: 2100 2895 Email: marketing@jtia.hk
