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Artists fear threat from hub

The Young Reporter (2011, May), 43(07), pp. 15.
Author: Goosie Chan, Thomas Chan, Gary Kwok, Simon Yuen. Photographer: LCSD, Tanya Chan. Editor: Vivian Chui, Ada Lee, Candice Wong, Thomas Yau.
Permanent URL - https://sys01.lib.hkbu.edu.hk/bujspa/purl.php?&did=bujspa0007697

Old theatres will face competition from modern facilities

Major art facilities in Hong Kong like the City Hall and the Hong Kong Coliseum are decades old. When the West Kowloon Cultural District becomes ready in a few years’ time with modern and high-end facilities, there are worries that existing theatres will be adversely affected.

According to Mr William Yan, chief manager of performing arts services at the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the WKCD will have 15 new art facilities.

“For example, we now have the Grand Theatre inside the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the WKCD will have a Great Theatre in the WKCD. We are concerned about direct competition between them,” he said.

The first phase of WKCD is expected to open in 2015 and completed by 2031. Mmuseums and theatres in the 40-hectare complex will be equipped with highend technology and facilities.

“The Cultural Centre was built in 1989. We can only renovate it and other venues. There is no way we can compete technology-wise with the WKCD,” said Mr Yan.

Lawmaker Ms Tanya Chan Sukchong, also an active stage performer, shares Mr Yan’s view.

“Competition is inevitable in this context,” said Ms Chan.

“In the past, the government did not think of improving the art facilities as there were no competitors around. But now a new domestic arts hub is coming and they will have to raise the quality of existing venues.”

But low occupancy of existing art facilities may not be the worst consequence. Mr Castiel Kie Kwun-ping, member of a local cappella group, worries that the hub would instead wipe out small local art groups.

“It is hard for us (small art groups) to gain an opportunity to perform in the hub. When the WKCD invites some famous groups to perform at those fancy venues, people will be attracted. We are afraid we will be left out,” said the 21-year-old artist.

But legislator Mr Alan Leong Kah-kit believes the WKCD development is not that pessimistic.

“There are many more similar art facilities in the Pearl River Delta Region, so we have to find a new position (for the arts hub) and avoid being repetitive.”

What do they say?

“The WKCD is a mere real estate project. People who will really benefit from it are the developers. Also, the project has dragged for so long. I don’t think it’s going to work well.”

- Mr Johnny Cheung, in his 40s, accountant

“The WKCD would be an attraction to tourists. I would definitely come to see it again when it is built. I think it will be interesting to see how Hong Kong presents its fusion of culture in a place.”

- Mr Joe Baumgartner, 24, exchange student from Switzerland

“It is hard for us (small art groups) to gain a chance to perform in the hub. When the WKCD invites famous groups to perform at those fancy venues, people will be attracted. We are afraid we will be left out.”

- Mr Castiel Kie Kwun-ping, 21, member of a local a cappella group

“Given the existing cultural facilities, the WKCD is a bit repetitive. I don’t think I will go pay a visit after it is done unless my friends say it is really attractive and worth going.”

- Ms Mandy Chan, 19, local student

EDITED BY VIVIAN CHUI, ADA LEE, CANDICE WONG & THOMAS YAU

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