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RECREATION, SPORTS AND THE ARTS
LEISURE activities make an important contribution to the quality of life and Hong Kong residents now have access to a wide range of recreational, sporting and cultural facilities. Many of these are provided by the Urban and Regional Councils, which are autonomous bodies empowered to formulate policies for the provision and management of cultural and recreational facilities in their respective areas. They build and operate games halls and pitches, swimming pools and parks, museums, libraries and other recreational facilities, as well as organising and supporting a host of cultural, sporting and recreational activities. -The government's policies on recreation, sport, culture and heritage matters are co- ordinated by the Recreation and Culture Branch headed by the Secretary for Recreation and Culture. He is assisted by several expert bodies, including the Council for the Performing Arts and Antiquities Advisory Board. Many other individuals and associations play an essential role in creating and improving opportunities for fulfilling leisure activities in Hong Kong.
Highlights of the year included the launching of the world's largest bilingual public library computerisation project for Regional Council libraries, the opening of the Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre and the Lai Chi Kok Public Library, and the operation of a third mobile library van to provide library services to remote areas. This year also saw the 20th anniversary of the Hong Kong Arts Festival and the setting up of a Heritage Trust in the name of the former Governor Lord Wilson of Tillyorn to mark his governorship. Both councils mounted numerous cultural and entertainment events during the year. Major events included the 16th International Film Festival, the 14th Festival of Asian Arts and the Hong Kong Independent Short Film Competition presented by the Urban Council, and the month-long Regional Council Festival and a Dance in Residence project organised by the Regional Council.
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The Arts
In world terms, Hong Kong's arts community is still in its youth, with all the characteristics of dynamism, new ideas and rapid growth which that implies. While talent and creativity have always been present, it is only in recent years, that with financial support from both the public and private sectors, the arts community has been able to capitalise on its creativity and increase the number and range of its activities. As a result there are now two professional orchestras, three full-time dance companies, three professional drama groups