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The Home Affairs Bureau (HAB) announced today (September 30) the revised funding guidelines of the Arts Development Fund (Cultural Exchange Project).
"In the light of operational experience and the feedback of applicants, the guidelines are revised to spell out more clearly the funding criteria and coverage of Arts Development Fund (ADF) and provide detailed guidance on making grant applications and compiling post-project reports," a spokesman for the HAB said.
"Under the revised guidelines, the funding scope will be expanded to cover videotaping and auditing expenses of cultural exchange projects, in addition to the existing approvable expenditure items of travelling, freight and insurance," he added.
ADF is a government sub-fund under the Sir David Trench Fund for Recreation supporting outbound cultural exchanges by local artists and arts groups. It aims at strengthening cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and other places, promoting Hong Kong's culture and arts and enhancing the image of Hong Kong in the international community.
Since its inception in November 2001, ADF has been used to fund outbound cultural exchange projects of various art forms. As at end August 2010, 235 applications have been approved with a total grant of $25.1 million.
With a view to enhancing the transparency of ADF, HAB has carried out a review of the funding guidelines in consultation with the ADF Advisory Group. The ADF Advisory Group comprises representatives from the Hong Kong Arts Development Council and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
The revised guidelines of ADF will take effect from November 1, 2010. HAB will review and update the funding guidelines from time to time. The latest guidelines can be downloaded from the website of HAB at www.hab.gov.hk . Any enquiries related to the revised guidelines may be directed to the ADF Secretariat on telephone number 2594 6658.
Ends/Thursday, September 30, 2010
Issued at HKT 20:05
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