Renowned local artist Mandycat and competition winners join hands to showcase the unique cultural diversity of Central-Mid-Levels community

The Central-Mid-Levels Escalator and Walkway System in Hong Kong is the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world . To ensure the system is safe and reliable for the public, the Transport Department (TD) and Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) of The Government of the HKSAR appointed Anlev Elex Elevator Ltd (Anlev Elex), a subsidiary of ATAL Engineering Group (ATAL), to carry out refurbishment for the escalator system which has commenced since March last year. As the escalator system is situated in a unique Central and Mid-Levels districts with cultural diversity, Anlev Elex values the opportunity to engage the community in this refurbishment project through culture and arts. With the full support from TD and EMSD, ATAL and Anlev Elex organised the “Connect • Community • Culture” Drawing Competition for public enrollment.

Mr. Alfred Sit Wing-hang, Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, said at the event: “Since its opening in 1993, the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator and Walkway System has been serving the public for more than 25 years, rain or shine. In view of the ageing of the system, EMSD and TD carry out replacement of the escalator in phases from March 2018 to early 2022 upon conducting public consultation and receiving general support from the public. This “Connect • Community • Culture” Drawing Competition allows members of the public to unleash their creativity through drawings and present features of Central to Mid-Levels from another perspective, which not only demonstrates the convenience this escalator brings to the public, but most importantly, helps integrate the refurbishment project into the community and connect with the community through arts and culture. Unlike other drawing competitions, the winning entries of this competition will be displayed near the escalator under refurbishment so that members of the public can appreciate these excellent works along the escalator.”

“The Central-Mid-Levels Escalator and Walkway System is well known as a major tourist attraction, the refurbishment project offered an excellent opportunity to reflect on how the community relates to the system. After the project commenced in March 2018, we decided to engage with the community’s unique cultural diversity by organising the drawing competition. I have been impressed by the high calibre of entries and the creativity and imagination demonstrated by all the artists who entered. Whether from primary or secondary school students, or members of the public, the drawings capture their thoughtful perspectives of the escalator, while reflecting a sophisticated and dynamic cultural diversity.” Dr. Otto Poon Lok-to, Chairman of ATAL Engineering Group said.

In this competition, participants were required to include the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator and Walkway System in their drawings. The competition consisted of three categories including Primary School, Secondary School and Public, and received more than 130 entries from over 40 primary and secondary schools, and the public. The Champion, first runner-up and second runner-up for each category will be awarded a trophy, a certificate and a book coupon valued at HK$3,000, HK$2,000 and HK$1,000 respectively; while 10 merit winners will each be awarded a certificate.

Among all the exquisite artworks received, Maersk Li Wai-lam, from S.K.H St. Peter’s Primary School, won the champion in the Primary School category. He demonstrates his bonding with the district and its unique culture by presenting Central as his home, and shows his appreciation towards the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator which has served the community everyday non-stop. Sze Cheuk-man from HKUGA College is the champion in the Secondary School category. Her work emphasises the length of the escalator and features the famous spots along it to illustrate the idea that the escalator has witnessed the evolution of the area. For Public category, the champion goes to Li Ka-ki, and her work reinforces the importance of the escalator as one of the most iconic attractions in Hong Kong which draws tourists from all over the world with its charisma, and for all along being the best companion of the Central community.

Mandycat, a renowned local artist, was also invited to design a set of murals, to enriching the beauty and artistic touch of the community. Mandycat’s murals, together with the winning artworks of the competition will be displayed along the escalator from Wellington Street to Lyndhurst Terrace, for public appreciation, starting from today until end of October.

“I always have a feeling that this escalator has a ‘life”, it is so different from the other escalators in Hong Kong. It carries us through varied cultural hubs in Central, from the SOHO area with exotic bars and restaurants around, the artistic Tai Kwun, commercial and residential buildings to historical architectures in the community. In view of that, I focused on showcasing the vibrant energy of the escalator in my mural design.” Mandycat shared her inspiration for the murals designed for the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator.

Mandycat’s murals and the winning artworks of the competition will be exhibited during specific periods as follows:
Date: 27 April – 13 May 2019
Venue: H6 Conet, G/F, The Center, 99 Queen’s Road Central
Exhibition: Winning artworks of Central-Mid-Levels Escalator “Connect • Community • Culture” Drawing Competition

Date: 27 April – 31 October 2019
Venue: From Wellington Street to Lyndhurst Terrace, Central
Exhibition: Mandycat’s murals and winning artworks of the “Connect • Community • Culture” Drawing Competition

About ATAL Engineering Group
ATAL Engineering Group (ATAL), founded in 1977, is a leading electrical & mechanical (E&M) engineering group based in Hong Kong*, with offices in Macau and mainland China. We provide comprehensive and multi-disciplinary E&M engineering and technology services, serving customers from around the world. Our business comprises four main segments including Building Services; Environmental Engineering; Information, Communications & Building Technologies, and Lifts & Escalators.

*According to Frost and Sullivan

About Anlev Elex Elevator Ltd
Anlev Elex Elevator Ltd (Anlev Elex) is a subsidiary of ATAL Engineering Group, specialising in the design, supply, installation of lifts and escalators, as well as maintenance repair and modernisation projects. In addition to providing standard equipment, Anlev Elex also provides vertical transportation solutions for barrier-free access for the disabled, including stair lifts, lift platforms and lifts designed specifically for the disabled.