Members of a consultative committee and three advisory groups on the core arts and cultural facilities of the West Kowloon Cultural District have been appointed from today. Their term will last until the end of 2006.

The committee's main task is to re-examine, and re-confirm if appropriate, the need for the core arts and cultural facilities defined in the invitation for proposals for the WKCD issued in September 2003.

The committee will advise the Chief Executive on its justifications for the facilities, and any others they feel necessary to meet the aspirations of the local arts and cultural community and attract visitors.

It will also examine the financial implications for developing and operating these facilities.

Chief Secretary for Administration Rafael Hui, who will chair the consultative committee, says the body and its advisory groups include members from the arts, cultural, entertainment and tourism sectors.

"They are mainly professionals or practitioners in relevant fields who would be in the best position to help re-examine the core arts and cultural facilities for the WKCD."

Selina Chow to chair performing arts, tourism advisory body

Tourism Board head Selina Chow will chair the advisory group on the performing arts and tourism. Victor Lo will chair the museums advisory group while Marvin Cheung will lead the financial matters advisory group.

The performing arts and tourism advisory group and museums advisory group will consider ways to gauge views in the coming months from the public, particularly views from the arts and cultural sector and the tourism industry.