We like the idea of Aberdeen arts space - but will rent be affordable, Hong Kong lawmakers ask
Site up for sale on Wong Chuk Hang Road to include arts area in development plan, but legislators say devil is in the detail
Lawmakers have said they support in principle a government plan to include a new arts space offering affordable studios in the development plan for an area of land up for sale in Aberdeen, but they said they held concerns about the details, in particular the selection process for artists who would use the facilities.
At the Legislative Council’s panel on home affairs this morning, lawmakers questioned the government’s definition of “affordable” rent and what criteria artists would be required to meet to rent space in the area.
Winsome Chow, chief executive of the Arts Development Council, said the council would take reference from ADC Artspace and the Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre in deciding rent levels.
She said a selection committee comprised of people from outside the council would be formed to choose eligible artists. Places would be allocated to established artists as well as those who graduated from university no more than three years ago, she added. Young artists would pay half the price.
The Aberdeen site, in a budding arts neighbourhood on the south side of Hong Kong Island, is slated to offer a construction floor area of 6,440 square metres at the junction of Wong Chuk Hang Road and Tong Bin Lane. The space will cost HK$348.6 million.