Hong Kong needs to give its young artists a chance to shine
Ken Chu says with more effective government support, a better training and education system for young talent, and platforms offering them exposure, the city can be a major force in the arts world
The Hong Kong government and the Arts Development Council allocate huge amounts of money to foster development of the arts community and artistic talent. But, like any system, the funding mechanism is full of red tape and shortcomings. Emerging local artists often complain about huge difficulties in obtaining public subsidies. They feel frustrated at the preponderance of such subsidies allocated to performing artists and art groups, particularly those who are already well established, and contend that performing arts such as dance, orchestras and ballet are traditionally in the spotlight. If this is the case, perhaps we should balance the allocation of public funds to different forms of art?
Offering more support to our youth with a passion for arts is also a way to maximise the potential of our creative industry.
Art attack: how Hong Kong’s cultural providers will cope with budget cuts
The government spends a lot of public money on arts education, from primary to tertiary level. Art is part of the public university entrance exam, and can be studied independently at Chinese University and Baptist University, and we will soon have a major visual arts museum at the West Kowloon Cultural District. The local arts scene looks dynamic and bright.
However, the majority of parents are still prejudiced against the arts, seeing only the negative in such a career. Therefore, children are almost always discouraged from pursuing the arts or are forced to abandon their interest in it.
Hong Kong spring auction results dispel art market gloom, with sales well up on 2015
Yet, despite this, antique collecting and the artwork auction market are thriving in Hong Kong, and a career in this field requires a solid understanding of art.