The Central Conservation Section devises, implements and evaluates conservation programmes for museum artifacts and heritage objects. In 2003, the section conducted conservation treatment on 2,633 cultural objects including paintings, paper artifacts, textiles, photographs, metals, ceramics, organic materials and archaeological finds. It continued to provide technical support for 79 thematic exhibitions and assisted in the management of 200,000 collection items pertaining to 12 public museums and the Art Promotion Office.

As an essential part of the educational and extension programmes, the section received five secondary schools for lectures and behind-the-scenes laboratory visits under the School Culture Day Scheme and organised 14 workshops and guided tours for the 2003 International Museum Day. Adding together other lecture programmes and laboratory visits, the section received over 5,000 visitors during the year. It also recruited 40 volunteers through the Cultural Services Volunteers Scheme to help with a variety of conservation projects such as the International Museum Day, and the conservation of fireboat Alexander Grantham.

This latter project involves the preservation of this unique fireboat following its decommissioning after 50 years of service. The Central Conservation Section has been actively engaged in the planning and conservation work for the fireboat as well as more than 500 of its relics. The Alexander Grantham will eventually be put on public display at the Quarry Bay Park. The conservation and installation of the fireboat for display will be one of the section's major projects in 2004.

Following the success of the first phase of the cultural displays at the Hong Kong International Airport, the section organised another standing exhibition, Formal Dialogue — Sculptures by Hong Kong Masters in April in collaboration with the Hong Kong Airport Authority. It featured 28 acclaimed works by two local master sculptors. In the coming year, there are plans to install more contemporary ceramics in the departure hall for the enjoyment of local and overseas passengers.

Hong Kong's artistic flair on display in Hong Kong International Airport's departure hall.