23 RECREATION, SPORTS
AND THE ARTS
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RECREATION, sports and cultural activities enhance the quality of life of the Hong Kong community. The government aims for an environment in which diversity, freedom of expression and artistic creation can thrive. The key arts and sports bodies underwent significant organisational changes in 1995 to strengthen their roles in promoting such activities. In June, the Hong Kong Arts Development Council was established as a statutory body with executive powers.
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In the New Territories the government continued to co-ordinate the completion of the territory's first public golf centre on Kau Sai Chau. Work on the Kowloon Walled City Park was completed in September.
The territory's residents have access to a wide range of leisure activities. Many of these are provided by the Urban and Regional Councils, which are autonomous municipal 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 Hong Kong Arts Development Council, Antiquities Advisory Board, Hong Kong Sports Development Board and Hong Kong Sports Institute. Many other individuals and associations play an essential role in creating and improving opportunities for leisure activities in Hong Kong.
The Arts
Hong Kong has eight professional performing arts companies, hundreds of amateur groups, and 17 major cultural venues throughout the territory. Rapid development of the arts has fuelled a demand from the arts community for greater participation in the decision-making process affecting the arts. In response to the findings of an arts policy review consultation exercise, the government established the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC) as a statutory body on June 1, 1995.
Hong Kong Arts Development Council
The HKADC plans, promotes and supports the broad development of the arts, including the literary, performing, visual and film arts. The council also develops and
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