Obligation of arts council to avoid getting linked to law breaches: Fok

The Hong Kong Arts Development Council has the responsibility to avoid subsidizing projects that breach laws, including the national security law, says chairman Kenneth Fok Kai-kong.

His comments came after Hong Kong Federation of Drama Societies on Wednesday said the council pulled the plug on its subsidy of this year's Drama Awards, as the content of the ceremony last year "damaged or adversely affected the reputation of the council."

Responding to the incident yesterday, Fok said the council subsidizes different projects using government funding and it has the responsibility to minimize the risk of violating local laws.

"The council is not a law enforcement agency and it is not for us to say whether a person, a particular thing or word is in breach of the law," Fok said.

"But as an allocator of public money, we have the responsibility to minimize the risk of violating the national security law."

Fok said the decision to stop sponsoring the awards ceremony was made after careful consideration.

He insisted the council had responded to the federation last Friday.

"It's not true that the council failed to contact the federation actively or explain the reason. It's simply that they hadn't received our letter then. I contacted the federation this morning and believe they have received the letter. I hope we can maintain communication," he said.

Fok said only around 30 percent of fund applicants are granted subsidies.

"Many projects have received the subsidy for years, but it does not mean they can get the fund every year," he said.

In the letter sent to the federation, the council said the ceremony used to invite veteran artists or government officials as awards presenters. However, it invited controversial figures as awards presenters last year, including political cartoonist Wong Kei-kwan, known as Zunzi, and journalist Bao Choy Yuk-ling.

The two hosts talked about "red lines" many times during last year's ceremony.

"The council does not agree with such an approach to draw public and media attention, and believes it's necessary to pull the plug on the subsidy," the letter wrote.

Third Side lawmaker Tik Chi-yuen said the council's "rude administrative act" could cause a chilling effect.

He added such activities should be allowed to continue if they do not violate the law.

wallis.wang@singtaonewscorp.com