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# HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
This Council's track records in arts promotion are evidenced by the presentation of numerous performing programmes that are diversified in nature and types to suit various audience tastes, the presentation and management of both short-term and permanent exhibitions of the visual arts, the ever-expanding public library network with its programmes for literary art appreciation and competition. These are complemented with concerted programmes covering both general and specific arts, such as the Festival of Asian Arts, the International Film Festival and the Arts Carnival. It is not such a long time since the arts were widely regarded in Hong Kong as little more than a pleasant but expensive diversion for a small privileged class. Today, they are seen as a normal and essential part of everybody's everyday life. This Council's commitment to the continuation of its work in promotion of the art is as great as ever.
With the publication of the Arts Policy Review Report by Government, I would like to make the following observations and comments:
Firstly, I welcome the proposed extension of Government support to cover visual arts and literary arts and hence the set-up of an Arts Council covering three branches of arts, but would like to see the following conditions satisfied:-
(a) That there should be more resources provided to fulfil such a proposal. Witness that the freezing of budget in the past for the Council For Performing Arts (CFPA) has to a certain extent stifled growth of performing companies supported by the CFPA. In order to expand the promotion of the arts, it is only realistic that more resources should be allocated.
(b) That there should be clearly-defined terms of reference for the proposed Arts Council. In order to take advantage of the experiences of this Council in promoting the three branches of arts, I would like to see input from this Council and certainly the Regional Council as well in the drafting of the terms of reference by Government.
(c) That there should be appropriate representation of the Municipal Councils on the future Arts Council to ensure concerted efforts and directions in the promotion of arts for the territory.
Secondly, I see that this Council's participation in the proposed Arts Council can open a new door for us. It can provide the opportunity for a greater degree of coordination in the future planning and execution of policy on the arts. We should no doubt also discover areas where participation in such a body could enable us to eliminate duplication of effort.
Thirdly, I am pleased to read in the Arts Policy Review Report the advocation of freedom of artistic expression and emphasis on consistency with the Bill of Rights. On the other hand, I feel that there is a lack of definition of long-term strategy and future direction, except for the broad aim of extension of support to visual and literary arts.
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# HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
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The Municipal Councils are responsible for the promotion and administration of cultural programmes for public appreciation and enjoyment. Indeed, this Council's direction of work in the arts is the provision of diversified, well-balanced, open and affordable entertainment and cultural programmes for the public. Central government should be the catalyst organization to define specific future directions for arts development. The next step in the review of our territory's Arts Policy should perhaps be conceptualized in the terms of reference of the proposed Arts Council. It should be a soul-searching exercise to include specification of the following:-
(a) The desired type of cultural society for Hong Kong and what milestones to aim for, vis-a-vis international arts standards. This will involve the elevation of arts quality and perhaps selective elitism art and the nurturing of these elitists in order to achieve certain targets, without sacrificing the general principle of arts for all.
(b) The desired positioning and niche of the arts in our society. This requires a definition of what constitutes a good quality of life and how artistic pursuits can enrich one's intellectual and emotional life, counter materialistic desires, bring about harmony and ultimately reduce crime rates. I have no intention of making a campaign speech for the ICAC, but the ICAC slogan adopted for years, viz 'Towards A Fuller Life' is applicable in the role of the arts in society. The cultivating of arts appreciation should start from school education but should not end there. Our Arts Policy should aim for development of more enlightened audiences with higher expectations, which in turn encourages the raising of arts quality.
In the definition and implementation of the above two points, the proposed Arts Council and Municipal Councils should work together. I believe we should warmly welcome any opportunity for greater cooperation with Government, and likewise, I believe Government would benefit by consulting the Municipal Councils in the establishment of the Arts Council before taking any substantive action. With these remarks, Mr. Chairman, I beg to support the motion.
CHAIRMAN (in English):—Are there other Members who would like to speak? Since all Members who wish to speak have spoken, I would like to say a few concluding remarks.
We have had a highly motivated debate. Various searching questions were asked, and a lot of constructive and indeed innovative suggestions were put forward. All these views and comments expressed today will be fully reflected to Government for consideration. The serious manner we go about this motion debate was clearly demonstrated by the resolved amendment to the wording of the original motion by making direct and clear reference to the Arts Policy Review document.
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46
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
This Council's tract records in arts promotion are evidenced by the presentation of numerous performing programmes that are diversified in nature and types to suit various audience tastes, the presentation and management of both short-term and permanent exhibitions of the visual arts, the ever-expanding public library network with its programmes for literary art appreciation and competition. These are complemented with concerted programmes covering both general and specific arts, such as the Festival of Asian Arts, the International Film Festival and the Arts Carnival. It is not such a long time since the arts were widely regarded in Hong Kong as little more than a pleasant but expensive diversion for a small privileged class. Today, they are seen as a normal and essential part of everybody's everyday life. This Council's commitment to the continuation of its work in promotion of the art is as great as ever.
With the publication of the Arts Policy Review Report by Government, I would like to make the following observations and comments:
Firstly, I welcome the proposed extension of Government support to cover visual arts and literary arts and hence the set-up of an Arts Council covering three branches of arts, but would like to see the following conditions satisfied:-
(a) That there should be more resources provided to fulfil such a proposal. Witness that the freezing of budget in the past for the Council For Performing Arts (CFPA) has to a certain extent stifled growth of performing companies supported by the CFPA. In order to expand the promotion of the arts, it is only realistic that more resources should be allocated.
(b) That there should be clearly-defined terms of reference for the proposed Arts Council. In order to take advantage of the experiences of this Council in promoting the three branches of arts, I would like to see input from this Council and certainly the Regional Council as well in the drafting of the terms of reference by Government.
(c) That there should be appropriate representation of the Municipal Councils on the future Arts Council to ensure concerted efforts and directions in the promotion of arts for the territory.
Secondly, I see that this Council's participation in the proposed Arts Council can open a new door for us. It can provide the opportunity for a greater degree of coordination in the future planning and execution of policy on the arts. We should no doubt also discover areas where participation in such a body could enable us to eliminate duplication of effort.
Thirdly, I am pleased to read in the Arts Policy Review Report the advocation of freedom of artistic expression and emphasis on consistency with the Bill of Rights. On the other hand, I feel that there is a lack of definition of long-term strategy and future direction, except for the broad aim of extension of support to visual and literary arts.
Page 25 of 132
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Page 25 of 132
47
The Municipal Councils are responsible for the promotion and administration of cultural programmes for public appreciation and enjoyment. Indeed, this Council's direction of work in the arts is the provision of diversified, well-balanced, open and affordable entertainment and cultural programmes for the public. Central government should be the catalyst organization to define specific future directions for arts development. The next step in the review of our territory's Arts Policy should perhaps be conceptualized in the terms of reference of the proposed Arts Council. It should be a soul-searching exercise to include specification of the following:-
(a) The desired type of cultural society for Hong Kong and what milestones to aim for, vis-a-vis international arts standards. This will involve the elevation of arts quality and perhaps selective elitism art and the nurturing of these elitists in order to achieve certain targets, without sacrificing the general principle of arts for all.
曲
(b) The desired positioning and niche of the arts in our society. This requires a definition of what constitutes a good quality of life and how artistic pursuits can enrich one's intellectual and emotional life, counter materialistic desires, bring about harmony and ultimately reduce crime rates. I have no intention of making a campaign speech for the ICAC, but the ICAC slogan adopted for years, viz 'Towards A Fuller Life' (
A) is applicable in the role of the arts in society. The cultivating of arts appreciation should start from school education but should not end there. Our Arts Policy should aim for development of more enlightened audiences with higher expectations, which in turn encourages the raising of arts quality.
In the definition and implementation of the above two points, the proposed Arts Council and Municipal Councils should work together. I believe we should warmly welcome any opportunity for greater cooperation with Government, and likewise, I believe Government would benefit by consulting the Municipal Councils in the establishment of the Arts Council before taking any substantive action. With these remarks, Mr. Chairman, I beg to support the motion.
CHAIRMAN (in English):—Are there other Members who would like to speak? Since all Members who wish to speak have spoken, I would like to say a few concluding remarks.
We have had a highly motivated debate. Various searching questions were asked, and a lot of constructive and indeed innovative suggestions were put forward. All these views and comments expressed today will be fully reflected to Government for consideration. The serious manner we go about this motion debate was clearly demonstrated by the resolved amendment to the wording of the original motion by making direct and clear reference to the Arts Policy Review document.
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