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facilities in the venue are not adequate and that the time allowed for use is too short. The time constraints hamper creativity to a very large extent. All these problems are worthwhile for us to explore further and seek a solution acceptable to both the artists and the Department.
Proper utilization of space to promote cultural activities
Lastly, I would like to talk about the utilization of venues. Although the Hong Kong Cultural Centre is under the schedules of the Culture Select Committee and the Libraries Select Committee, I would like to touch on the use of the venues there. At present, there is a very large space outside the Cultural Centre and many people pass through it every day. To the passers-by, it is just an ordinary passageway, but if we can make good use of the space, it will prove to be a valuable asset. At present, apart from occasionally letting some organizations use it for holding certain activities, the space outside the Cultural Centre is normally not used for any specific purpose. According to my personal observation, the space is a popular venue for organizations including political parties and concerned groups to hold forums on current affairs, but cultural activities are rarely held there. Personally, I think the Council should utilize the space as much as possible and make good use of the resources to achieve the objective of promoting cultural activities. I suggest that the space outside the Cultural Centre be demarcated as a franchised area on certain days or during certain hours for members of the cultural sector to set up their own 'performance pitches' freely. Very often, the not-so-low venue charges are a burden to the cultural sector or some of the organizations. If we can provide spacious venues at low charges, it will prove beneficial to the cultural sector, the Council and the passers-by.
Removing railings around the sculpture in front of the Museum of Art Because of an accident in which a small child was trapped in the sculpture when he was playing there, the sculpture is now cordoned off with railings to prevent another accident from happening. I think it is inappropriate to 'imprison' the sculpture as this has spoiled the idea which the original artist wished to express. I suggest that the Department may consider 'liberating' the sculpture. In fact, putting the sculpture on a pedestal may prevent people from climbing over it. The Department can give this suggestion some thought.
Conclusion
To keep pace with the time, the Council should improve its measures and policies regarding culture, arts and collections of the museums. 'Listening to both sides leads to enlightenment.' Only through understanding more about the opinions of the art community and the general public and providing them with open and adequate spaces for cultural and art creations can we achieve our objective of 'Enriching City Life'.
MR. DANIEL Wong Kwok-tung (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, what I am going to speak is different from what Mr. Joseph CHAN Yuck-sut has spoken. However, it
Page 301 of 485
of 485
Page 301 of 485
14
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
facilities in the venue are not adequate and that the time allowed for use is too short. The time constraints hamper creativity to a very large extent. All these problems are worthwhile for us to explore further and seek a solution acceptable to both the artists and the Department.
Proper utilization of space to promote cultural activities
Lastly, I would like to talk about the utilization of venues. Although the Hong Kong Cultural Centre is under the schedules of the Culture Select Committee and the Libraries Select Committee, I would like to touch on the use of the venues there. At present, there is a very large space outside the Cultural Centre and many people pass through it every day. To the passers-by, it is just an ordinary passage- way, but if we can make good use of the space, it will prove to be a valuable asset. At present, apart from occasionally letting some organizations use it for holding certain activities, the space outside the Cultural Centre is normally not used for any specific purpose. According to my personal observation, the space is a popular venue for organizations including political parties and concerned groups to hold forums on current affairs, but cultural activities are rarely held there. Personally, I think the Council should utilize the space as much as possible and make good use of the resources to achieve the objective of promoting cultural activities. I suggest that the space outside the Cultural Centre be demarcated as a franchised area on certain days or during certain hours for members of the cultural sector to set up their own 'performance pitches' freely. Very often, the not-so-low venue charges are a burden to the cultural sector or some of the organizations. If we can provide spacious venues at low charges, it will prove beneficial to the cultural sector, the Council and the passers-by.
Removing railings around the sculpture in front of the Museum of Art Because of an accident in which a small child was trapped in the sculpture when he was playing there, the sculpture is now cordoned off with railings to prevent another accident from happening. I think it is inappropriate to ‘imprison' the sculpture as this has spoiled the idea which the original artist wished to express. I suggest that the Department may consider 'liberating' the sculpture. In fact, putting the sculpture on a pedestal may prevent people from climbing over it. The Department can give this suggestion some thought.
Conclusion
To keep pace with the time, the Council should improve its measures and policies regarding culture, arts and collections of the museums. 'Listening to both sides leads to enlightenment.' Only through understanding more about the opinions of the art community and the general public and providing them with open and adequate spaces for cultural and art creations can we achieve our objective of 'Enriching City Life'.
MR. DANIEL Wong Kwok-tung (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, what I am going to speak is different from what Mr. Joseph CHAN Yuck-sut has spoken. However, it
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