XN000022-1995-01-13 — Page 14

Film art

12 -

The HKADC would like to restate its position on film art as presented to the bills committee by the HKADC deputation on November 22. The HKADC recognises film as an art form. While the council does not preclude any art forms as being worthy of grant awards or other support, the council cannot support the inclusion of film art alongside the literary, performing and visual arts in Clause 4(a). The HKADC's proposed new Clause 4(a) prescribes an emphasis on the literary, performing and visual arts but does not exclude any other art forms. Clause 4(a) does not attempt to, nor should it, be all inclusive because the list cannot be exhaustive with the continuous evolvement or revival of other art forms.

As explained by the HKADC deputation on November 22, the council is ready to support with appropriate funding projects which further film art on a scale which can be accommodated within the budgets of its Arts Committees, for example, script-writing. Film production projects cannot, unfortunately, be borne by the HKADC within its presently available resources. Meanwhile, some council members have been in touch with people involved in the less commercial side of the film circle to discuss how the HKADC can work with them for the promotion of film art in Hong Kong.

Council membership

The

The HKADC has welcomed and endorsed the latest amendments to Clause 3(3)(a) put forward by the Recreation and Culture Branch. HKADC has also endorsed the new Clauses 3(3A) and 3(3B) in principle but with some reservations about their feasibility. The HKADC would like to emphasise its position that it is up to the arts community to organise itself into credible bodies to make use of the opportunity afforded by these clauses. Elections are a matter between the Government and the arts groups and the organisation of such elections should not involve the council in any way.

The HKADC would be glad to give further information and assistance to facilitate the coming bills committee discussion. The council would like to re- iterate its concern for an expeditious passage of the bill to allow the HKADC to be set up by April this year, so that the council could embark on its plans to further the development of the arts in Hong Kong with full executive power.