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The following is issued on behalf of the Committee on Performing Arts:
The Committee on Performing Arts held the first meeting of its current term today (February 5).
The meeting considered progress reports of the three working groups in the last term, namely the Working Group on Venue Hiring Policy, the Working Group on Arts Education and the Working Group on Programme Promotion Policies and Audience Development. The meeting decided that the three working groups should continue in the current term to discuss outstanding issues in their respective areas.
The meeting also decided to set up an ad hoc working group to look into the challenges facing the small and medium-sized performing arts groups under the current economic turmoil. ¡§The ad hoc working group would also explore possible support measures to tide these groups over,¡¨ Dr Darwin Chen, the chairman of the committee, said.
The committee decided on a more frequent meeting schedule in the coming term and also received a briefing on the work of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority from the Home Affairs Bureau and information on the latest improvements to the URBTIX ticketing system from the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Among other improvements, there are plans to install ticket dispensing machines at Leisure and Cultural Services venues starting from end-2009.¡§It is a great step forward if our URBTIX system will be served by ticket dispensing machines so that the public can pick up their tickets at the performance venues after an Internet booking,¡¨ Dr Chen said.
The Committee on Performing Arts was established in November 2004 to advise the Government on the provision of performing arts services, including:
- the promotion of appreciation, expression and creativity in the performing arts;
- the formulation of strategies and plans for the development of performing arts facilities and services, with reference to the Culture and Heritage Commission policy recommendations; and
- the encouragement of community support and partnership with different sectors in arts education, cultural exchange and other matters pertaining to the promotion of the performing arts.
The committee's third term runs from November 2008 until October 31, 2010. The committee comprises 19 non-official members from diverse backgrounds and four ex-officio members being representatives from the Hong Kong Arts Development Council, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Home Affairs Bureau and Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
Ends/Thursday, February 5, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:24
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