GOVT BACKS ARTS COUNCIL'S DECISION

Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Kevin Yeung today endorsed the decision of the Arts Development Council regarding the funding arrangement for the Hong Kong Drama Awards.

In a statement, Mr Yeung said government departments and government-funded organisations are obliged to ensure public funds and resources are used properly and only support projects with appropriate content.

He outlined that the council, after prudent discussion and review, considered the content of the 31st Hong Kong Drama Awards not to be appropriate, and that it had decided to reduce funding support for that round of the awards.

The statement stressed that it is reasonable and legitimate for the council to ensure public funds only subsidise and support arts programmes with appropriate content, and that its decision meets the Government’s requirements and expectations.

The education chief said that whether or not cultural and artistic programmes are supported by public funds is a question of the proper use of resources, and has nothing to do with restrictions on creativity.

As regards the view that the council’s decision will affect or even stifle creativity, Mr Yeung said this was putting the cart before the horse and that the Government finds such remarks unreasonable.

“The Government firmly supports all government-funded organisations to discharge their responsibilities and ensure the appropriate use of public funds and resources, while promoting the development of arts and culture.”

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