RECREATION, SPORTS AND THE ARTS
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draw to express their talent and creativity. The Hong Kong Arts Development Council's development into an independent statutory body governed by its own ordinance was a major breakthrough for the arts community. It was the direct result of the arts policy review conducted by the government in 1993 to map out the strategy for the development of the arts.
Hong Kong has a very rich cultural life, with professional performing companies and hundreds of amateur groups offering the community a wide range of arts activities. During the year, the provisional municipal councils ran 17 major arts venues throughout Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Arts Development Council
One of the most important projects undertaken by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council in 1998 was the Artists-in-Schools Pilot Programme, under which artists worked with teachers and students in 14 selected schools. It is hoped that the programme will stimulate the students to communicate their thoughts in a multi- dimensional manner.
The review of the General Support Grant system proved to be a significant initiative with far-reaching consequences. It recommended instituting three-year grants for professional performing companies through competitive tenders, and to introduce one-year grants to nurture promising second-tier companies. Plans were under way to effect changes from April 1999.
The government and the Arts Development Council co-operated to launch a pilot exhibition project at the Queensway Government Offices. This gives local artists more exhibition space to display their works and helps promote the works of local artists.
To help raise the profile of local artists abroad, a programme was developed whereby Hong Kong Economic Trade Offices around the world have purchased artworks created by Hong Kong artists.
During the year, the council continued to support the broad development of the arts through Project Grants to individual artists and arts organisations, and General Support Grants to six major arts organisations in Hong Kong.
Performing Arts Groups
Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra
Each season, more than 150 000 people attend more than 100 concerts presented by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. The orchestra, under Music Director David Atherton, appears with internationally acclaimed artists at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, City Hall and cultural venues in the New Territories each year. It also organises free student concerts, pre-concert talks, seminars, music appreciation courses, ensemble visits to hospitals and education institutions, the 'Young Audiences' Scheme for secondary students, the 'Friends of the Philharmonic', and publishes music-related educational books and CDs.