A change of art

Hundreds of millions of dollars from the West Kowloon cultural district's multibillion-dollar budget is set to be redirected to enhancing "software" as the government undergoes a dramatic change of heart. The government hopes to switch some funds from the HK$21.6 billion approved by the Legislative Council last July and use them for improving cultural software - that is, the people, programs and events - by training performers and educating audiences, a source said.
Local groups, which are expected to benefit most from the revised approach, welcomed the idea.
The source said the funding will be used for three purposes: to enhance arts education in schools and non-traditional training centers; to subsidize art groups and sponsor performers to go overseas; and provide free art classes and tickets to performances.
Chief Secretary Henry Tang Ying- yen, who is also West Kowloon Cultural District Authority chairman, will have to formally ask Legco to change the use of part of the approved funding.
The first phase of the arts hub is set to open in 2014 or 2015.
Chung Ying Theatre Company art director Ko Tin-lung said he had suggested that the Arts Development Council spend HK$500 million to improve the software for the cultural hub, which will contain up to 15 performing arts venues and a museum.
"The government should not wait for construction of the venues to start training talent," Ko said.
He suggested that HK$50 million be used in a trial scheme and, to ensure the most effective use of the money, existing arts groups should be sponsored. On education, Ko said drama, for example, could be added to liberal studies in school.
"The students can understand the topic first then do a play on it," he said. "Students can then learn both drama and social issues."
Ko said many talented set decorators and lighting crew had left Hong Kong for Macau when the new casinos offered more attractive packages.
"The government should now estimate how many people they need when the art venues and museum are open."
However, Mathias Woo Yan-wai, creative and program director of arts group Zuni Icosahedron, said the government might not need the money from the cultural hub's budget as it could strengthen existing funding from the Home Affairs Bureau.
He said what Hong Kong lacks most is art teachers.
"Not all art experts can teach. Not all actors can be teachers," he said.
"To set a policy to train the teachers is a very important way to provide more 'software' too."