The Hong Kong government is putting up HK$7 million to fund the most comprehensive showcase of Picasso's work ever seen in the city - and will also be stepping up security around the exhibit.
The two-month exhibition of artworks worth HK$6.7 billion from a French museum devoted to the Spanish master was announced this week, and it was revealed yesterday that the show would form part of the annual Le French May festival.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department is jointly presenting the Picasso exhibit with the French consulate, organiser of Le French May.
The value of the exhibition, at the Heritage Museum in Sha Tin, makes security a top priority.
'In view of the high value of the exhibits, the Hong Kong Heritage Museum will step up the security arrangements and strengthen the security force for the Picasso exhibition,' a department spokesman said. 'The museum has had discussions with relevant parties as well as the security expert from the French government in this regard.'
The HK$7 million will cover the loan fee, and the department will provide the venue and ticketing support. An insurance bill of about HK$20 million is largely being paid by private sponsors.
The exhibition will feature 60 paintings and sculptures as well as photographs by and about the modern art master.
