The Government will launch the $300 million Art Development Matching Grants Pilot Scheme, under which the amount of private donation and sponsorship secured by local art groups will be matched by grants, Chief Executive CY Leung announced in his Policy Address today.
The Government has also decided to make free admission to Leisure & Cultural Services Department permanent museum exhibitions a standing practice.
Mr Leung will make the Deputy Secretary for Home Affairs responsible for sports policies as the Commissioner for Sports to co-ordinate cross-bureau or cross-departmental sports initiatives.
The Government will also formulate a career programme for retired athletes, under which schools and national sports associations will be subsidised and encouraged to employ retired athletes.
The programme will help the athletes build a solid foundation for their career plans and future development, and assist schools and national sports associations in promoting sport and nurturing talent.
Noting society has been beset with problems relating to the supply and management of columbaria for years, Mr Leung said the Government has secured support from District Councils for the provision of 450,000 new niches and will continue to consult the councils on new projects to secure the public niche supply for the next 15 years.
On the management front, he said the Government is fully supporting the Bills Committee in scrutinising the Private Columbaria Bill, with the aim of passing it within the current legislative year to facilitate early implementation of a licensing scheme.
The Government has suggested implementing the District-led Actions Scheme in all 18 districts to further take forward the concept of “addressing district issues at the local level and capitalising on local opportunities”.
District Officers will consult the new-term councils, and the District Management Committees will decide on the scheme’s specific details, working together to address the issues requiring immediate attention in their districts.
