HONG KONG - Hong Kong's performing arts groups and visual artists will join forces to stage cultural program for Expo 2010 Shanghai, Director of Leisure and Cultural Services of the Hong Kong government Betty Fung said here Thursday.

Fung said at a press conference on Thursday that the cultural performances and the visual art exhibitions to be showcased by Hong Kong artists at the Expo 2010 will be under the theme " Creativity, Connectivity, Vibrance", which reflects the diversity and creativity of Hong Kong artists.

About 1,200 performers from a total of 24 local performing arts groups will participate in the six-month Expo and show their talent through different genres including Cantonese opera, dance, Chinese and Western music, drama, opera, music theater and multi- media performances.

Besides, two large-scale art exhibitions, "Legacy and Creations -- Ink Art vs Ink Art" and "Legacy and Creations -- Art vs Art", are being jointly presented by Hong Kong Museum of Art and two leading museums in Shanghai.

The exhibitions will reflect the culture and lifestyle of Hong Kong people and complement the Expo theme of "Better City, Better Life".

Expo 2010 Shanghai will be held from May 1 to October 31. More than 240 countries and regions and international organizations will participate in the event.