HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
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With an understanding of the unique characteristics of Hong Kong's social culture, I will not see Hong Kong as a springboard for grasping commercial benefits in China. Nor will I see Hong Kong as a public relation officer to facilitate flirtations between Communism and Capitalism. The social culture of Hong Kong has its own noble qualities, which belong to a rare species and are different from the traditional Confucianism, Communism and imperialistic colonialism. These noble qualities are not imported. They are accumulated through struggles by the people against bureaucracy and their strives for democracy over the years. If ‘one country, two systems', 'Hong Kong ruled by the people of Hong Kong' and 'high degree of autonomy' cannot ensure the retention of these noble qualities, the Pearl of the Orient will lose its lustre and Mr. DENG Xiao-ping's concept will become meaningless.
What is expected of the Arts Development Council
In order to ensure retention of the cultural characteristics of the open society of Hong Kong and to enable the Pearl of the Orient to keep its lustre, I have high expectations for the Arts Development Council and the fully elected Urban Council in which the public are represented. The ADC has strategic plans in planning, promoting and supporting arts development; in raising the standards of arts appreciation and criticism; in cultivating talents in arts; and in absorbing opinions from private performing groups. These efforts are worth our support. In the consultation document presented by the ADC to the Urban Council, the principles of upholding freedom of artistic expression and encouraging innovation, creativity and diversity in the arts are stated clearly. In the chapter on 'Planning Process', it was also emphasized that the ADC's vision is a dynamic and diverse arts scene in Hong Kong. In the past, the direction for arts development in Hong Kong was unclear, but now it seems that the clouds are dispelled.
The change in the structure of the Urban Council
With the development of a democratic government, not only all Members are elected by the public, even some of our advisors in various fields of arts are elected by the local arts community rather than appointed by the Council under the direction of the Department. In order to build a permanent communication channel with the local arts bodies, meetings are held regularly so that Members, Departmental officers and advisors and the arts community can have direct communications with each other. The aim of such democratic multi-lateral interflow is to allow people from different social strata to truly participate in the formulation of public policies.
Drafting of Work Plan for UC Cultural Services
The Working Group on Drafting the Cultural Select Committee's Five-year Plan is studying the situation reports of various fields of art, holding joint meetings with advisory groups and Departmental officers, and seeking
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