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The following is issued on behalf on the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The Legislative Council Panel on Home Affairs departed for Japan and the Republic of Korea today (August 4) to begin its eight-day overseas duty visit.
The purpose of the visit is for members to study the experience in the development of cultural software and the preservation of intangible cultural heritage in these two countries. During the visit, the delegation will obtain first-hand information on the development of the arts and culture (particularly in the areas of arts programme development, arts education and manpower training, and community-driven initiatives to promote cultural and artistic activities), as well as measures in safeguarding and promoting intangible cultural heritage. The delegation will also exchange views with official agencies involved in the formulation and implementation of strategies and measures in these areas, and community organisations and social enterprises engaged in the advancement of the arts and culture.
During its stay in Japan, the delegation will meet with the Agency for Cultural Affairs of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; the Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo; the Japan Arts Council; and non-profit community organisations devoted to promoting the arts and culture to the communities, as well as corporate support for the arts. The delegation will also visit a variety of public and private arts and cultural facilities to study their experience in the development of arts programmes and arts education, and nurturing of artists.
In the Republic of Korea, the delegation will meet with officials of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation; and the Korea Arts and Culture Education Service. The delegation will also visit the Insa-dong Cultural District to study the experience of transforming a heritage site into a cultural district and tourist attraction, public and private arts and cultural institutions and establishments, and a social enterprise specialising in promoting creative community culture/business.
The programme of the visit is attached.
The delegation is led by the Chairman of the Panel on Home Affairs, Hon Ip Kwok-him. Other members include Hon Kam Nai-wai, Hon James To Kun-sun, Dr Hon Philip Wong Yu-hong, Hon Emily Lau Wai-hing, Hon Timothy Fok Tsun-ting, Hon Cyd Ho, Hon Wong Sing-chi, Hon Tanya Chan, Hon Wong Yuk-man, Hon Wong Ting-kwong, and Hon Starry Lee.
Ends/Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Issued at HKT 15:06
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