Transforming Minds: Buddhism in Art

Exhibition showing examples of cultural adaptations and collective responses to Buddhism in ancient and modern times, and responses to Buddhism in contemporary art. Today, 10am-5pm, Asia Society Gallery, Asia Society HK Centre, 9 Justice Drive, Admiralty, HK$30 (members HK$15). Inquiries: 2103 9511. Ends today

Picasso - Masterpieces from Musee National Picasso, Paris

Fifty-five works by Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) on loan from Paris' Musee National Picasso. A Le French May programme. Today, 10am-8pm, HK Heritage Museum, 1 Man Lam Rd, Sha Tin, HK$20. Inquiries: 2180 8188. Ends today

Group Show

Works by more than 10 by gallery artists including Kim Joon, Edward Burtynsky and Hiroshi Senju. Today, 11am-7pm, Sundaram Tagore Gallery, 57-59 Hollywood Rd, Central. Inquiries: 2581 9678. Ends today

Selfless Portraits

Malaysian painter Charles Cham's works that reflect who he is and subjects that matter to him. Today, 2pm-6pm, Mon-Tue, 11am-7pm, Karin Weber Gallery, 20 Aberdeen St, Central. Inquiries: 2544 5004. Ends today

Third Year Second Class

Sheng Liang's oil paintings make use of - and attempt to give new meanings to - old photographs. Daily, 11am-7pm, VA Gallery, 16 & 16A, Art One, M/F Convention Plaza, 1 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai. Inquiries: 2368 1068. Ends Jul 30

Metamorphosis

Works from photographer Peter Steinhauer's Cocoon series of images of large buildings wrapped in coloured material. Mon-Sat, 11am-7.30pm, Sun, noon-5pm, Contemporary by Angela Li, 90-92 Hollywood Rd, Central. Inquiries: 3571 8200. Ends Jul 31

Media Art Showcase

Japanese video artist Naoko Tosa's works that explore the unconscious mind, and digital landscapes by Chinese multimedia artist Tian Xiaolei. Tue-Sat, 11am-7pm, Sun, noon-5pm, I/O (Input/Output), 23 Tai Ping Shan St, Sheung Wan. Inquiries: 3105 1127. Ends Aug 5

Taiping Tianguo, A History of Possible Encounters

Works by Ai Weiwei, Frog King Kwok Mang-ho, Tehching Hsieh and Martin Wong - who all spent time in New York in the 1980s and the early 90s. Wed-Sun, noon-7pm, Para/Site Art Space, G/F, 4 Po Yan St, Sheung Wan. Inquiries: 2517 4620. Ends Aug 12

The First Dragon of China

Exhibition about scientific and archaeological investigations into areas such as the origins

of dragon artefacts and the symbolic involvement of mythological beasts in politics. Daily, 10am-5pm, Art Museum, Institute of Chinese Studies, Chinese University of HK, Sha Tin, free. Inquiries: 3943 7416. Ends Jan 27, 2013 Performing Arts

Saltimbanco

Cirque Du Soleil 's production exploring the urban experience in all its myriad forms features various acrobatics and feats of athleticism. Jul 22, 1pm, 5pm, 8pm, AsiaWorld Expo - Arena, HK International Airport, Lantau, HK$388-HK$788 HK Ticketing. Inquiries: 2989 9239

Brothers of War

All Theatre Art Association's multimedia production exploring the meaning of peace and friendship combines Hoi Chiu's sand paintings with drama, traditional story-telling, Chinese music, martial arts and dance. In Cantonese with English surtitles. Jul 22, 3pm, 7.30pm, HK Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST, HK$130, HK$190 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2370 1044

Happy Days Toy Shop

Fantasy Puppet Theatre's nostalgic production, set in the 1960s, about an old-fashioned toy shop which goes unnoticed by the neighbourhood children until it has a closing sale. In Cantonese. Jul 22, 3pm, Tuen Mun Town Hall, 3 Tuen Hi Rd, Tuen Mun, HK$130 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2370 1044

Ocarina in the Wind Concert

Ocarina player Ivan Hui, pianist Irene Choi and their friends perform a poetic story driven by music that recalls the wind, and reminds people about the beauty of nature and life. Jul 22, 3pm, Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre, 30 Pak Tin St, Shek Kip Mei, HK$150 Urbtix. Inquiries: 6231 8138

Meshrep

Xinjiang Dilinaer Arts Troupe performs songs, dances and instrumental music associated with Xinjiang cultural events and traditional rituals. Jul 22, 4pm, Yuen Long Theatre, 9 Yuen Long Tai Yuk Rd, Yuen Long, HK$100-HK$220 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2268 7323

The Hunger Artist

Perry Chiu Experimental Theatre's drama about a ballet dancer's pursuit of a thinner body which pushes her to the peak of her career but also to have major health problems. In Cantonese. Jul 22, 4pm, Jul

24-27, 8.15pm, Jul 28, 8.30pm, Jul 29, 5pm, Sheung Wan Civic Centre, 5/F Sheung Wan Municipal Services Building, 345 Queen's Rd Central, Sheung Wan, HK$180-HK$270 Urbtix. Inquiries: 6377 7240

Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow

Australian stand-up comedians Matt Okine, Ronnie Chieng, Damian Callinan, Denise Scott and Randy perform. In English. Jul 22, 7.30pm, Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Rd, Central, HK$300 (HK$250 for members) HK Ticketing. Inquiries: 2521 7251

Microsex Office 4.0

PIP Theatre's latest edition of its comedy about male and female office worker relations. In Cantonese. Jul 22, 7.30pm, HK Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Rd, Wan Chai, HK$140-HK$340 HK Ticketing. Inquiries: 2294 8004

No 1 Troupe of the China National Peking Opera Company

The Chinese opera troupe performs The Wild Boar Forest. In Beijing dialect with Chinese and English surtitles. Jul 22, 7.30pm, HK Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST, HK$100-HK$350 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2268 7325

The Sound of Bamboo Music

Beijing Green Bamboo Orchestra performs international folk and children's songs that feature 'the sounds of nature'. Jul 22, 7.30pm, Tsuen Wan Town Hall, 72 Tai Ho Rd, Tsuen Wan, HK$110-HK$210 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2370 1044

Variety Show

HK Federation of Trade Unions Cultural & Arts Advancement Association's variety show featuring Canto-pop singer Louis Cheung Kai-chung performing and a Shaolin kung fu demonstration. Jul 22, 7.45pm, HK Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST, HK$30-HK$80 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2715 6671

The Innomine Chorale 36th Annual Concert

Dorothy Cheung conducts soprano Jeffie Leung, alto Cynthia Luff, tenor Oliver To, bass Edmund Kwan, organist Poon Tak, pianist Emily Ng, the choir and the Kowloon City Baptist Church Orchestra performing works including Verdi's Stabat Mater. Jul 22, 8pm, Sha Tin Town Hall, 1 Yuen Wo Rd, Sha Tin, HK$100, HK$120 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2789 9368

Alan Tam X Teresa Carpio Live In Concert 2012

Canto-pop singers Alan Tam Wing-lun and Teresa Carpio perform. Until Jul 28, 8.15pm, HK Coliseum, 9 Cheong Wan Rd, Hung Hom, HK$180-HK$580 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2760 4143

Janice 3,000 Day and Night Concert

Canto-pop singer Janice Vidal performs. Jul 22, 8.15pm, Kitec, 1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay, HK$150-HK$400 HK Ticketing. Inquiries: 2339 7517

The Vagina Monologues

Perry Chiu Experimental Theatre performs a play about women's self-discovery consisting of monologues relating to vaginas. In Cantonese with English surtitles. Jul 22, 8.15pm, Jul 28-29, 2.30pm, also Jul 28, 5pm, Sheung Wan Civic Centre, 5/F Sheung Wan Municipal Services Building, 345 Queen's Rd Central, Sheung Wan, HK$130, HK$190 Urbtix. Inquiries: 6377 7240

Cantonese Opera Young Talent Showcase

The Chinese Artists Association of HK presents performances of Cantonese Operas including: The Story of Lu Yanqiu and Mei Yubing, Jul 23; A Pedestal of Rouge Fragrance, Jul 24-25; and The Lotus Lamp, Jul 26-27. All shows: in Cantonese. 7.30pm, Yau Ma Tei Theatre, 6 Waterloo Rd, Yau Ma Tei, HK$60, HK$100 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2384 2939

The Stone Roses Hong Kong 2012

The British rock group in concert. Jul 24, 8pm, AsiaWorld Expo - Arena, HK International Airport, Lantau, HK$388-HK$988 HK Ticketing. Inquiries: 2629 6240

SOUND-IMAGination: HK Snapshots

Lo Hau-man conducts clarinettist Leung Chi-shing, violinist Pauline Tang, cellist Eric Yip Chun-hei and pianist Christina Kwok playing more than 30 short works by local composers. Jul 25, 8pm, Southsite, 3/F Blue Box Factory Building, 25 Hing Wo St, Tin Wan, Aberdeen, entry by donation. Inquiries: 6802 6458

Academy Cantonese Opera Excerpts

HK Academy for Performing Arts students and staff perform Cantonese Opera excerpts including: Touring the Lake (from the Legend of the White Snake) (Jul 26, 28); Meeting Goddess, Given Sash (from Magic Lotus Lantern) (Jul 26-27); and Picking Hairpin on Lantern Street (from Purple Hairpin) (Jul 27-28). In Cantonese with Chinese and English surtitles. Jul 26-28, 7.30pm, HK Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Rd, Wan Chai, free with ticket. Inquiries: 2584 8500

Miracle Kingdom

Wilderness Creation's musical about a frog who, feeling unhappy after he is turned into a handsome man as a result of being kissed, embarks on a journey to a Miracle Kingdom in a bid to live a happy life. In Cantonese. Jul 27-29, 3pm, 7.30pm, Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre, 111 Shau Kei Wan Rd, Sai Wan Ho, HK$110-HK$190 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2370 1044

A New Cantonese Opera Justice Bao

Yuen Siu-fai stars in, directs and is the librettist for a Cantonese Opera double-bill of stories revolving around the legendary judge consisting of The Caucasian Circle, centring on two women who both claim to be a child's real mother, and Chisang Town, in which Justice Bao Ching upholds justice despite the case involving his family members. In Cantonese with Chinese and English surtitles. Jul 27-29, 7.30pm, also Jul 29, 1.30pm, Ko Shan Theatre, 77 Ko Shan Road, Hung Hom, HK$100-HK$340 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2268 7325

Momentari

Spain's Nats Nus Dansa's dance theatre production about a collector of 'good moments' and owner of a magic cube in which different characters live. With limited English dialogue. Jul 27-28, 7.30pm, HK City Hall, 5 Edinburgh Place, Central, HK$110-HK$220 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2370 1044

Nuova Barberia Carloni

Physical comedians from Italy's Teatro Necessario perform a comedy about three Italian barbers who have launched a salon and are throwing a big opening party that involves music playing with various instruments and the performance of zany stunts. With limited English dialogue. Jul 27-28, 7.30pm, also Jul 28, 3pm, Ngau Chi Wan Civic Centre, 11 Clear Water Bay Rd, Kowloon, HK$150, HK$210; and Jul 29, 5pm, Tai Po Civic Centre, 12 On Pong Rd, Tai Po, HK$100, HK$160 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2370 1044

Eight Immortals' Adventures Prequel

Chew Hee Chiat conducts the HK Chinese Orchestra performing Alfred Wong's music for a musical theatre production scripted and directed by Mike Chow about what the Eight Immortals went through before they were granted eternal life and magical powers. Jul 28, 8pm, Jul 29, 3pm, HK Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST, HK$120-HK$260 Urbtix. Inquiries: 3185 1600

Cinema

Taipei Exchanges

International Children's Film Carnival 2012

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department presents a selection of 16 feature films and short film programmes for the young and young at heart, including the following two films. Until Aug 19. HK Film Archive, 50 Lei King Rd, Sai Wan Ho; HK Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST; HK Science Museum, 2 Science Museum Rd, TST East; and HK Space Museum, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST. HK$55 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2734 2900

The Ugly Duckling

Claymation fairy tale about a young bird mocked for his ugly appearance, little expecting that he will grow up to become a beautiful creature. In Russian with Chinese and English subtitles. Jul 22, 2.30pm, HK Film Archive, Jul 28, Aug 11, 7.30pm, HK Science Museum.

Chubby Drums

Tale about a chubby boy whose father opens a restaurant in Thinhaven, where no one is outgoing or fat - and where the boy falls for a girl who happens to be the town's most beautiful and is skinny. In Dutch with English subtitles and live Cantonese interpretation. Jul 22, Aug 8, 7.30pm, HK Science Museum, Aug 19, 5pm, HK Film Archive.

Opera Sight and Sound at Yau Ma Tei Theatre

Film Programmes Office presents a programme of three Cantonese Opera films that had played at the landmark theatre, including the following two. Until Jul 29. HK Film Archive, 50 Lei King Rd, Sai Wan Ho, HK$40 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2734 2900

The Heroes and the Beauty

Cantonese Opera film adaptation of a cherished Tai Lung Fung opera troupe production about a prince and princess who are separated after their father the Emperor is murdered. In Cantonese. Jul 22, 5pm, Jul 29, 7.30pm, HK Film Archive.

This Merry Life

Sun Ma Si-tsang and Tang Bik-wan star in this 1954 Cantonese Opera comedy, set in then contemporary times, about a love rectangle involving a shy secretary who has a crush on her reticent office manager who is courting an opera actress, who in turn is in love with another man. In Cantonese. Jul 22, 7.30pm, HK Film Archive.

Around Town

HK Book Fair

More than 530 local and overseas exhibitors showcase books, other publications, stationery and multimedia products; also featuring literary activities including seminars and workshops. Jul 22-23, 10am-10pm, Jul 24, 9am-5pm, HK Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, HK$10 (morning admission, sold at the door), HK$25 HK Ticketing (and designated 7-Eleven and Circle K outlets). Inquiries: 1830 670

Better Living Expo

Combined public and trade fair whose exhibit categories include beauty, fashion and jewellery. Jul 22, 11am-7pm, Asia World Expo, HK International Airport, Lantau, HK$20. Inquiries: 1830 668

Hello Kitty in Oz: The Lost Chapter

Interactive exhibition whose players must seek to restore world order in a Hello Kitty-fied Oz. Until Aug 5, 11am-8pm, Kitec, 1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay, HK$95-HK$335 Cityline. Inquiries: 2620 3413

BMX Freestyle Cycling Workshop

Local BMX specialists give lessons on freestyle cycling. In Cantonese. Jul 22, 28-29, Aug 4-5, 3pm-6pm, Crystal Atrium, L3 Metroplaza, 223 Hing Fong Road, Kwai Fong, free. Inquiries: 2429 6500

Chinese Investment in Africa: Myths and Realities

African Centre for Economic Cooperation policy advisor Buddy Buruku, former New York Times correspondent in China and Africa Howard French and Senegalese journalist Hamadou Tidiane Sy discuss African perspectives on Chinese investment in Africa and the future of what may be one of the most important relationships - economic, political, and social - of the 21st century. In English. Jul 23, 12.30pm (reception, 12.15pm), Asia Society HK Centre, 9 Justice Drive, Admiralty, HK$590 (Asia Society members HK$490), includes lunch, booking required. Inquiries: 2103 9508

Adventures in Ancient Lands

Russell Abel talks about journeying around Afghanistan, Joanna James tells of her travels on the Tibetan Plateau and Edward Nicol talks about trekking in the Ethiopian Highlands. In English. Jul 23, 7.30pm (reception, 6pm), Grappa's Cellar, Jardine House, 1 Connaught Place, Central, HK$200 (Royal Geographical Society members HK$150), includes one drink. Inquiries: 2583 9700

Summer Residency

Literary events associated with City University of HK's M.F.A. in Creative Writing course include: City University of HK English professor Kingsley Bolton lecturing on the history of English in China, Jul 23, 1.15pm; readings by writers Kirpal Singh and Ira Sukrungruang, Jul 24, 6.45pm; Kirpal Singh lecturing on Southeast Asian contemporary writing in English, Jul 25, 1.15pm; readings by faculty members James Scudamore, Ravi Shankar and Xu Xi, Jul 25, 6.45pm; Tina Chang lecturing on Speaker Box: Persona Poetry, Jul 26, 1.15pm; Justin Hill lecturing on Through the Looking Glass, Jul 27, 1.15pm; and readings by faculty members Luis Francia, Justin Hill and Sharmistha Mohanty, Jul 27, 6.45pm. In English. City University of HK, Floor 4 of Concourse Level, Academic 1, City University of HK, 83, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, free. Inquiries: 3442 8886

A Year of Significance? South Korea's Leadership Changes in 2012 and Foreign Policy Implications

Seoul National University international relations professor Chung Jae-ho lectures on upcoming South Korean election possibilities and various scenarios that could play out for South Korea's foreign policy in 2013 and thereafter. In English. Jul 24, 12.30pm (reception, 12.15pm), Asia Society HK Centre, 9 Justice Drive, Admiralty, HK$550 (Asia Society members HK$450), includes lunch, booking required. Inquiries: 2103 9508

Haphazard Empire: Encounters with China's Migrants to Africa

Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism associate professor Howard French discusses how China's deepening relationship with Africa is being felt and lived by Chinese migrants to Africa. In English. Jul 24, 1.15pm (lunch, 12.45pm), Foreign Correspondents' Club, 2 Lower Albert Rd, Cental, HK$180 (members HK$150), booking required. Inquiries: 2521 1511

2012 - 14th Ani-Com & Games HK

Animation, comics and games expo with exhibition areas, booths, performance zones and activities. Jul 27-30, 10am-9pm, Jul 31, 10am-8pm, HK Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, HK$30 (at the door and 7-Eleven and Circle K outlets). Inquiries: 2344 0415