HK's creative industries need public input
I welcome the views shared by the various commentators who contributed to the article by Vivienne Chow ('Creative commitment', May 4). It is important that we have full public involvement in the development of our creative economy.
I cannot agree more with the comment that it is of paramount importance to understand the ecology of the creative industries in order to implement effective measures to promote the industries. In coming up with the development strategy for CreateHK, the dedicated office to be set up to promote the development of the creative industries, the government has been trying to involve a wide range of people from different creative industries sectors. We have had tremendous feedback.
This is the start of an ongoing dialogue between government and the industries. With CreateHK, a close relationship can be developed. One of the keys to establishing a proper dialogue between government and people in the creative industries will be the head of the new unit. We will conduct an open recruitment exercise for the position with a view to attracting candidates who have expertise in the creative industries.
On the point regarding the need for effective policy co-ordination to foster the development of the creative industries, CreateHK will be tasked to ensure effective co-ordination between different parties within the government in addition to providing a one-stop support service for the industries.
CreateHK will not work in isolation. It will work with different government bureaus including the Home Affairs Bureau and Education Bureau to ensure that policies on culture, education and creative industries and others are compatible and indeed complement each other.
I note the comment on the development of the West Kowloon Cultural District. This is, of course, an important project for the cultural sector in Hong Kong. I would also say that this applies equally to the creative industries. I am sure this project will serve as a focus for the development of complementary business opportunities in the creative industries. Of course CreateHK will have to consider the interface between this project and the wider creative industries.