ENG-2018 — Page 380

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Recreation, Sport, Culture and the Arts

Lord Wilson Heritage Trust

The Lord Wilson Heritage Trust provides funding for community organisations and individuals. to implement heritage-related projects. Six projects worth about $1.24 million were approved in 2018.

Hong Kong Jockey Club Music and Dance Fund

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Music and Dance Fund awards scholarships to candidates of outstanding calibre to pursue further studies or training in music or dance in or outside the city. Thirteen scholarships worth $4.14 million were awarded in 2018.

Art Development Matching Grants Scheme

The bureau's $800 million Art Development Matching Grants Scheme seeks to widen funding sources for arts groups and to encourage community support for arts and cultural development. It matches the private donations and sponsorships raised by eligible arts groups. by providing the corresponding grants.

Culture and Arts Venues

West Kowloon Cultural District

The West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD), a 40-hectare prime waterfront site, is being developed as an integrated arts and cultural district with world-class facilities. Its aim is to promote the development of arts and culture, meet the growing cultural needs of the public and strengthen Hong Kong's position as an international arts and cultural metropolis.

Part of the Art Park and promenade is open for public enjoyment. The other arts and cultural facilities made significant progress in 2018: the Xiqu Centre held a stage dedication at its Grand Theatre in December and prepared for the formal opening and start of operation; the M+ museum building was topped out in November; interior fitting-out works for Freespace and excavation and lateral support works for the Lyric Theatre Complex were in progress; and the ground-breaking ceremony of the Hong Kong Palace Museum was held in May.

To prepare for the usage of its venues, the WKCD Authority initiates and co-presents events that develop the capacity of the local arts and cultural sector, develop audiences, engage the community and youth and nurture young artists. Major initiatives during the year included the West Kowloon 101 series, Hong Kong International Black Box Festival, Farewell My Concubine (New Adaptation), M+ Screenings series, M+Matters series, four exhibitions held at the M+ Pavilion and, from September, a new season of Freespace Happening at the Art Park featuring free outdoor performing arts.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department manages 16 performance venues.

Hong Kong Cultural Centre

The Hong Kong Cultural Centre is the territory's premier performing arts facility, attracting leading artists from round the world. It has three main performance venues: the Concert Hall, seating 2,019 patrons; the Grand Theatre, 1,734; and the Studio Theatre, 496.

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