1998 — Page 211

Page 211 of 606

Page 211 of 606

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PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL

mechanism comprising Councillors, artists and district representatives to decide the selection or designation of some public areas for short-term display.

Another part of the policy concerns the separate arrangements for long-term display and short-term exhibition. I hope we will tap on the practice of cities such as New York, a metropolitan city. As early as the 80s, the government there passed the law that about 1% of the construction cost of each building of the municipal government be credited to the arts fund under which creations of artists are selected by an independent selection committee. Members of the public also sit on the committee. The selection of artists is conducted before the building is completed. The artists selected will work closely with the architect to ensure that their works are compatible with the surroundings and integrated with the building as an entity instead of being mounted onto it only after the building is completed. The New York selection committee also holds competitions regularly to give more opportunities to artists to display their works. As for short-term exhibition, the New York City encourages the display and production of suitable works of art in some private areas and designated areas under the municipal government. These areas are open to application by artists free of charge so that they may have more space for display.

I hope that by means of a policy formulated, some of the Council's venues, such as a certain part of the plaza in the Cultural Centre, will be identified and designated as areas for public art to give more space to local artists for the creation of art.

Mr. Chairman, public art is the display of works of art in public areas or simply put, to be shared by the public. The procedures for the selection of public art for display are a reflection of the liberty that the entire community has for public art.

I therefore earnestly hope that my colleagues will support my motion so that a policy will be worked out as soon as possible on the maximal use of public areas. It is also hoped that more i ntegration of culture and art with living will be encouraged as early as possible. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

MR. CHIANG SAI-CHEONG (in Cantonese):-Mr. Chairman, I second the motion.

CHAIRMAN (in Cantonese):-The motion has been moved and seconded, but amendments have been moved by another Member. Would Mr. Wu Chi-wai move his amendments and speak?

(7)(b) MR. Wu CHI-WAI moved amendments to the motion under Standing Order 21(12A) as follows:-

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