Portrait of success

Public consultation on the West Kowloon Cultural District development project has attracted a lot of criticism about the inadequacy of government policy in promoting arts and cultural activities. Many in the arts and culture community have complained that Hong Kong lacks an environment that encourages performing arts.

One serious problem is the shortage of venues. The performing arts industry believes the local theatre market has enormous potential for growth, but is stifled by the dearth of venues. Arts workers are worried that government inaction before the completion of the West Kowloon hub will snuff out a theatre boom that could provide the foundation for a self-sufficient cultural market.

Arts and culture workers have come up with efficient ways to provide suitable places for their work. These include renovating deserted factory buildings and refurbishing old buildings in rejuvenated urban areas. Unfortunately, implementation of these innovative ideas is handicapped by legal restrictions, government policy and problems in interdepartmental co-ordination.

Another concern is the poor level of artistic appreciation and lack of respect for artists among the general public, ascribed to a deficiency in art education in schools and outside. A disturbing story was reported recently in the media, about an artist who had been driven away from three locations while he was painting; the painter, who had studied under famous Chinese master Xu Beihong, said he felt ashamed of Hong Kong.

Few Hongkongers would believe that Singapore could be ahead of us in facilitating creativity. Yet the city state began to pursue a very clear arts development strategy a decade ago.

The Esplanade, Singapore's most significant performance arts venue, was officially opened in 2002, a few years after the announcement of the strategy. It is located on six hectares of waterfront land, at a cost of S$600 million (HK$3.45 billion). The Singapore government has since spent the equivalent of nearly HK$5 billion on other arts venues and programmes.

For example, the National Arts Council's 'Arts Housing Scheme' has been expanded to include a further 7,000 square meters. Weekend flea markets are organised for local designers to display their works, and the government has renovated various old venues for the cultural sector.