Arts and Culture Development Blueprint announces 71 measures

The Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau unveiled the Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development on Tuesday. This strategic plan consists of 71 measures designed to industrialize the cultural arts sector, encompassing four key areas.

The blueprint aims to promote Chinese culture and develop Hong Kong's unique cultural identity. It plans to enhance the museum system to attract tourists and to build a new museum in the Northern Metropolis, highlighting the country's developmental achievements. Additionally, a Chinese Culture Experience Centre is set to be established in historic Kowloon Park, with construction slated to begin next year.

Key initiatives include strengthening the display and promotion of China's and Hong Kong's Intangible Cultural Heritages. This will involve the integration and optimization of Hong Kong's museum planning, the expansion of museums under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, and the development of multicultural characteristics. The blueprint seeks to utilize Hong Kong's international appeal in popular culture to establish the city as a hub of creativity and pop culture through diverse activities.

The blueprint also focuses on nurturing talent knowledgeable in traditional Chinese culture to support patriotic education. This includes multimedia exhibitions and workshops for youths on national identity and achievements, along with promoting internships and cultural project participation, such as the "Chinese Culture Festival."

Envisioning Hong Kong as a "City of Pop Culture" and a "City of Creativity," the plan for next year will see Government Offices and Facilities buildings showcasing local artists' and designers' work. It encourages statutory bodies and private corporations to support this initiative and proposes the creation of a Pop Culture Centre to highlight Hong Kong's achievements in pop culture.

Furthermore, the blueprint suggests easing restrictions at various venues to allow for more diverse uses, such as concerts in movie theaters and the transformation of industrial buildings into cultural spaces. It also promotes the inclusion of cultural arts facilities in new developments.

The plan aims to establish an international platform for cultural exchange, leveraging Hong Kong's "one country, two systems" advantage and global connectivity. It seeks to enhance cultural and artistic exchanges between China and the world, promoting the integration of culture, sports, and tourism. This includes attracting major overseas cultural events to Hong Kong and cultivating local cultural event brands.

Lastly, the blueprint plans a comprehensive review of the funding system for arts groups and performance venues, aiming to introduce a new system based on artistic performance and quality.