Working for the Development of Culture and Arts in Hong Kong

To evaluate the quality of a society, one should look at the development of culture and arts, as well as economic achievements.

Yesterday, I went to the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts in the early evening and had a brief chat with actors Mr Anthony Wong and Mr Joey Leung and their crew on the stage of the Lyric Theatre to show my support for the premiere of their production. While their enthusiasm for drama is for all to see, they also have grand visions for the development of culture and arts in Hong Kong. I also took the opportunity to learn more from them about the impact of insufficient venues on local troupes.

I have said that the fusion of Chinese and Western cultures in Hong Kong creates a favourable environment for the development of the local culture and arts sector. Culture and arts are the soul of society. The Government will continue to support local artists and art groups, promote arts education, and encourage more cultural workers to do what they are good at. The West Kowloon Cultural District project is in full swing. We should grasp this critical opportunity to provide more room for the long-term development of the local culture and arts sector.

Mr Anthony Wong shared with me his hope for Hong Kong to become another New York, another international city of culture and arts. I firmly believe that, with the joint efforts of the whole society, Hong Kong’s culture and creative industries will flourish.

December 6, 2012