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Venue Partnership Scheme

The Venue Partnership Scheme

Scheme was launched

was launched in April 2009 based on recommendations in a report published in 2006 by the then Committee on Performing Arts. It fosters partnership between venues and performing arts groups, and its main aim is to build the image and character of individual venues and their partners, expand the audience base, optimise use of space and facilities at the venues, develop marketing strategies, solicit sponsorship, and encourage community involvement in the development of the arts in Hong Kong.

Under this three-year pilot scheme, 20 venue partners comprising 34 performing groups in single, joint or consortium ventures are engaged in organising a variety of arts activities at 11 performing arts venues. They are given support in the form of priority use of venue facilities, funding and enhanced publicity.

Some 627 stage performances and 583 educational, promotion and audience- building activities were organised by the venue partners in 2010. Some 667 500 people attended or took part in those performances and activities.

Indoor Stadia

The Hong Kong Coliseum and the Queen Elizabeth Stadium are two of the largest multi-purpose indoor stadia in Hong Kong. The 12 500-seat coliseum is a prime venue for large-scale musical performances, sporting, cultural celebratory events. The 3 500-seat Queen Elizabeth Stadium celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2010.

In 2010, a total of 53 and 152 events were staged in the coliseum and the stadium, attracting over 1 706 700 and 380 000 spectators respectively.

West Kowloon Cultural District

The West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD), a 40-hectare prime waterfront site located at the southern tip of the West Kowloon Reclamation Area, will be developed as an integrated arts and cultural district with world class facilities. It aims. to provide space for the long-term development of the arts and cultural sector, foster the growth and development of culture and creative industries, and promote Hong Kong's image as an international metropolis with a vibrant arts and cultural landscape. The WKCD will be a cradle for artistic talent, a place for enriching cultural taste and a hub for fusing Eastern and Western cultures.

The West Kowloon Cultural District Authority's first priority is to draw up a development plan for the district. Taking into account public and stakeholders' view collected during the Stage 1 Public Engagement exercise, the three world-class master planning teams commissioned by the Authority have each prepared a conceptual plan for the WKCD, which were unveiled during the three-month Stage 2 Public Engagement exercise completed in November 2010. One of the conceptual plans will be chosen to serve as the basis for preparing the Development Plan.

The Authority also has to organise the art programmes offered at the WKCD site and the community to bring arts to the public. The Authority endeavours to

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392 Recreation, Sport and the Arts