Advisers bid to broaden themes for cultural hub
The government should look beyond its 'preferred features' in setting themes for museums in the West Kowloon cultural project, according to members of a newly established advisory group.
Ada Wong Ying-kay, a member of the Consultative Committee on West Kowloon Cultural District, said the government should consider the museums' themes holistically rather than being bound by its preferred features.
In announcing a revamp of the controversial project, the government has insisted on retaining the four themes of moving image, modern art, ink and design.
Despite the government's insistence, themes will now be discussed by the Consultative Committee's advisory group on museum facilities, headed by Executive Councillor Victor Lo Chung-wing.
'This is not a matter of how many museums we [will] have, but what cultural identities the museums are going to present,' Ms Wong said. 'Should we limit ourselves only to the four themes put forward by the government? These themes were suggested a few years ago and they could be obsolete now because the art and cultural scene is forever vibrant and moving.'
Another member of the group, Fringe Club director Benny Chia Chun-heng, also hoped the committee would review the government's four preferred themes for museums.
He believed that the West Kowloon project could benefit museums outside the cultural district by enlivening Hong Kong's cultural landscape.
Film critic Peter Tsi Ka-kei, who is not on the board, supported a museum of moving images in Hong Kong, saying that this would appeal to overseas visitors.
'Many overseas visitors are fascinated with film culture in Hong Kong,' said Mr Tsi, who is now executive director of the Hong Kong International Film Festival. 'Movies can represent Hong Kong culture in a lively way,' he said.
