The Government today announced that proposals will be invited from local performing arts groups and practitioners for large-scale stage productions under the Signature Performing Arts Programme Scheme (SPAPS).

Interested parties can submit an application from December 30, 2024 to May 30, 2025. The application results are expected to be released in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Proposals will be assessed based on factors including the artistic vision and merits of the production/programme; its representativeness as a Hong Kong production or programme to showcase the characteristics of Hong Kong and the capacity and creativity of local talent; as well as a marketing and promotion strategy that appeals to a broad range of audiences, local and abroad.

Factors for assessment also cover the potential for the long-running of the production/prrogramme; and impact on consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an East-meets-West centre for cultural exchange.

The selected proposal must stage at least 15 performances that can be implemented by phases in Hong Kong and attract at least 10,000 paid audience members.

There will be a quota of two productions for this application. Existing programmes with outstanding performances in relevant aspects will also be considered, provided the programme substantially transforms and enhances existing programmes in terms of creativity and presentations, and have the capacity to generate renewed interest.

Selected proposals under the SPAPS will receive a direct subsidy of up to $10 million for a maximum period of three years to support expenses such as creative concepts, stage productions, venue rentals, as well as marketing and promotion of the programme. It will also provide a matching subsidy of up to $5 million to each selected proposal to match private sponsorship raised and income received.

In line with the objectives to nurture world-class performing arts productions and international cultural brands that represent Hong Kong, the scheme will require that a substantial portion of the expenditure for the production must be expended in the city and the majority of the key personnel should be Hong Kong residents.

In case the selected proposal can generate profit from the 15 stage performances and stage a re-run of an equivalent or larger scale within 18 months after the first run, a subsidy equivalent to 20% of the total funding support from the scheme for the first round of the performance and capped at $3 million will be provided to match private sponsorship raised and income received in the re-run to encourage project proponent to unleash the long-running potential of the proposed programme.

An assessment panel comprising experts, veteran arts and cultural practitioners, professionals with rich business acumen and experience as well as government representatives will be formed.

The Government will hold a briefing session on December 17 at the Museum of Art to provide further details of the scheme and answer questions. Interested parties may register for attendance by sending an email to spaps@cstb.gov.hk.