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MR. WU CHI-WAI (in Cantonese):-I have two follow-up questions. Firstly, the reply says detailed studies were made including visits to over 30 museums in North America, Europe and Japan to learn of the planning, management and operation modes of the museums. In fact, the information is worthy of consideration. I hope Mr. MOK will provide the information to the Museums Select Committee for reference for the upcoming meeting when the Committee draws up a Five Year Plan.
Secondly, the annex to the reply gives attendance figures. As can be seen, the attendance level of the Museum in the City Hall was all along maintained at over 200 000 or even at 300 000. However, since the opening of the Museum of Art in November 91, the annual attendance level has been only half that of the City Hall period at 100 000-odd. I would like to ask Mr. MOK for the reason. Why is it that a new Museum of Art has failed to attract the public to visit or see exhibits?
THE HON. MOK YING-FAN (in Cantonese):-Concerning the first question raised by Mr. Wu, i.e. to give information collected in 1982 to members of the Museums Select Committee, I will do so through the Department so as to facilitate the drawing up of the Five Year Plan for the promotion of contemporary art.
As to the comparison of attendance figures, I personally feel that no comparison can be drawn purely on figures because people visiting the City Hall are interest drawn or attracted by the different contents of exhibitions. It is difficult to draw a comparison with the activities and exhibitions of the Museum of Art. It will be even more difficult to try and compare the attendance figures of the Museum of Art with those of the Science Museum or Space Museum. Figures show that attendance at the Museum of Art in recent years was on the low side. I believe the reasons are multifold. I think based on such a phenomenon, maybe the Department should prepare a paper after carrying out a detailed study for the reference of members of the Museums Select Committee before Mr. WU brings it up the next time.
MR. WU CHI-WAI (in Cantonese):—I myself do not agree with what Mr. Mok has said just now that no comparison could be drawn between these two. Take note that we are talking about the Museum of Art in both cases, only located at different places. However, I support Mr. Mok's suggestion for the Department to write a paper for discussion at the Committee level. I hope to find out from the background paper by Mr. Mok and the Department the reason why there was such a drastic change in attendance figures. All in all, both venues are used as the Museum of Art.
THE HON. MOK YING-FAN (in Cantonese);—Mr. Chairman, I think Mr. Wu can forward the above request to the Department without going through me. Of course, I agree to make a request to the Department at the next Committee meeting for the preparation of a paper for Members' discussion.
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MR. WU CHI-WAI (in Cantonese):-I have two follow-up questions. Firstly, the reply says detailed studies were made including visits to over 30 museums in North America, Europe and Japan to learn of the planning, management and operation modes of the museums. In fact, the information is worthy of consideration. I hope Mr. MOK will provide the information to the Museums Select Committee for reference for the upcoming meeting when the Committee draws up a Five Year Plan.
Secondly, the annex to the reply gives attendance figures. As can be seen, the attendance level of the Museum in the City Hall was all along maintained at over 200 000 or even at 300 000. However, since the opening of the Museum of Art in November 91, the annual attendance level has been only half that of the City Hall period at 100 000-odd. I would like to ask Mr. MOK for the reason. Why is it that a new Museum of Art has failed to attract the public to visit or see exhibits?
THE HON. MOK YING-FAN (in Cantonese):-Concerning the first question raised by Mr. Wu, i.e. to give information collected in 1982 to members of the Museums Select Committee, I will do so through the Department so as to facilitate the drawing up of the Five Year Plan for the promotion of contemporary art.
As to the comparison of attendance figures, I personally feel that no comparison can be drawn purely on figures because people visiting the City Hall are interest drawn or attracted by the different contents of exhibitions. It is difficult to draw a comparison with the activities and exhibitions of the Museum of Art. It will be even more difficult to try and compare the attendance figures of the Museum of Art with those of the Science Museum or Space Museum. Figures show that attendance at the Museum of Art in recent years was on the low side. I believe the reasons are multifold. I think based on such a phenomenon, maybe the Department should prepare a paper after carrying out a detailed study for the reference of members of the Museums Select Committee before Mr. WỤ brings it up the next time.
MR. WU CHI-Wai (in Cantonese):—I myself do not agree with what Mr. Mok has said just now that no comparison could be drawn between these two. Take note that we are talking about the Museum of Art in both cases, only located at different places. However, I support Mr. Mok's suggestion for the Department to write a paper for discussion at the Committee level. I hope to find out from the background paper by Mr. Mok and the Department the reason why there was such a drastic change in attendance figures. All in all, both venues are used as the Museum of Art.
THE HON. MOK YING-FAN (in Cantonese);—Mr. Chairman, I think Mr. Wu can forward the above request to the Department without going through me. Of course, I agree to make a request to the Department at the next Committee meeting for the preparation of a paper for Members' discussion.
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