Members’ Motion: “Keeping pace with the times and updating cultural policy”
President, I speak in support of Mr MA Fung-kwok’s motion which is seldom discussed in this Council. Since the publication of the Culture and Heritage Commission Policy Recommendation Report in 2003, global cultural exchanges have become increasingly frequent over the past 20 years, and the SAR Government has played a more proactive role in the cultural and creative industries. Policies on this area emphasize “industrialization and internationalization”. In addition to strengthening policy support and resource input, the Administration has engaged more professional sectors and different sectors of the community.
The policies have contributed to the gaining of international recognition by many local arts groups and the completion of a number of iconic cultural facilities, such as the Hong Kong Palace Museum, the M+ Museum and the Kai Tak Sports Park. Notably, the West Kowloon Cultural District acts an important platform for cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and the rest of the world, attracting more organizers of large-scale exhibitions and performances to establish presence in Hong Kong. Together with a variety of festivals and events, Hong Kong has accumulated quality cultural resources.
Regarding fostering exchanges between Hong Kong and the rest of the world, Hong Kong has organized various large-scale cultural festivals and successfully planned a series of spectacular events to promote cross-cultural exchanges. Such festivals include Art Basel, Festive Korea, Le French May Arts Festival, and the Japan Autumn Festival. Recently, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (“HKTB”) has put up an immersive bar inspired by Central at Art Basel’s show in Basel, Switzerland, allowing visitors to experience Hong Kong’s arts and culinary specialities, which is a new and commendable way to promote arts and culture.
As a matter of fact, when organizing different external exchanges, including exhibitions or international summits, Hong Kong should draw reference from the above practices in cultural promotion. It is suggested that the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau or HKTB should organize more cultural experience activities, such as booths featuring local craft creations and creative designs, on-the-spot demonstrations of calligraphy and paper-cutting, provision of Hong Kong delicacies or refreshments, or complimentary souvenirs with cultural characteristics, etc., so that overseas guests can have a deeper understanding of the elements underlying Hong Kong’s culture.
Moreover, in order to enhance the visibility of Hong Kong’s culture in overseas places, the Government may consider launching “reciprocal cultural festivals”. For example, when Hong Kong organizes a cultural festival for a certain place, that place will concurrently organize a cultural festival for Hong Kong. This kind of activities should be held on a regular basis, so as to promote cultural exchanges and collaborative branding, and to build up Hong Kong’s image as an international centre for cultural exchanges between the East and West. Activities under the aforesaid cultural festivals should not be limited to performances of high arts, but should include items which can engage the general public. The organizers may consider providing local snacks, creativity bazaars, traditional crafts and interactive workshops, etc. It is only through a wide range of events can Hong Kong’s versatile and vibrant cultural image be showcased.
The development and impact of culture are shaped by the participation of the public. Involvement of the whole population is required to truly immerse our community in a rich cultural atmosphere. The Government has launched in this month the first “Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage Month” to promote local intangible cultural heritage (“ICH”) through performances, exhibitions, talks and workshops. The response was positive, but the limited numbers of sessions and quotas for certain activities have affected the public’s participation. In addition, similar activities are mostly one-off in nature, which cannot cultivate the public’s cultural awareness and enthusiasm for participating in cultural activities in the long run. The Government should review and consider expanding the scale and coverage of the relevant activities.
I have also noticed that some primary and secondary schools have formed lion dance teams, while some districts are operating Cantonese opera classes. Do not underestimate these extra-curricular or after-work activities, as they can enhance the breadth and depth of cultural promotion. The Government should provide more funding options to ensure that local cultural bearers and cultural organizations receive long-term and stable support, so that they can provide training and encourage creation. For example, the ICH Funding Scheme can be regularized to encourage the introduction of more ICH into schools and the community, thereby deepening students’ and the public’s understanding of ICH as well as their participation and truly integrating culture into people’s daily lives.
President, Hong Kong has always been known as a centre of commercial activities in relation to finance, shipping and trade. There is still a long way to go before we achieve the goal of becoming an “East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange”. How to enhance our cultural influence in the international arena will be the key to future policy planning.
I support the original motion and the amendments. I so submit.