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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
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Chambers. Do reflect on the meaning of protection of artistic freedom. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I give support to the amended motion.
MR. LAM MAN-FAI (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman, it has always been harder to promote visual art than cinematic art. Available resources are important if we seek to popularise. For the Entertainment Select Committee, there is district cultural assistance scheme to sponsor performance art and other entertainment programmes at the district level. The Museums Select Committee does not have a scheme to assist district bodies of visual art as a promotion activity. It spends a great deal on the acquisition of art objects. The parts of our annual surplus not spent on buying art collection becomes an accumulative surplus and is treated as an independent account. I do not intend to query using large amounts on our art collection. All I am asking for is a more even allocation of resources. Perhaps more can be spent on promoting visual art and its popularisation. Let me just mention that not too many people go to our Museum of Art in Tsim Sha Tsui to see our collection.
If, through the motion moved by Mr. Kwok Bit-chun, we make use of community resources to promote at district level the so-called high-brow form of visual art, we will be able to take to the community beginners' classes on painting, calligraphy and sculpture. We will then descend from the ivory tower of the Museum of Art and make appreciation a part of community living. This way, the interest and participation of the community on visual art will grow and the cultural qualities of the people of Hong Kong will be enhanced.
As for the amendment motion by Mr. Lai Hok-lim, it is superfluous as referred by him. Before a motion is carried, it is an idea not yet implemented. It seems to me that he is alleging that the future policy of the Council will be infringement on artistic freedom. That is not the case. In fact, Members here are in favour of artistic freedom and democratic values. We each have our own yardsticks. Do we have to draw a circle round us like that drawn by the Monkey King to protect his master the monk and then force ourselves to stay inside to avoid danger? Is this to be done for artistic freedom? Is there a need to include protection of artistic independence, democratic values, artistic personality, creativity, ideals and so on? We can always add a lot more. Many people think the Basic Law should be drafted with a lot more. In fact, the more you include, the more you omit.
Therefore, I support the original motion moved by Mr. Kwok Bit-chun because it already incorporates a lot. With these remarks, I vow support to the original motion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. LEE KWOK-KEUNG (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman, today's topic of discussion is on the strengthening of promotion and popularisation of visual art. The stand of the Democratic Party has always been support for popularisation of art. We have faith in artistic involvement coming from the community and we are aware that the Urban Council has been playing a very
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