Most of the 108 recommendations of the Culture & Heritage Commission that will shape the long-term cultural development in Hong Kong, have been accepted by the Government.

The Home Affairs Bureau said about 90% of the proposals have been endorsed, and work has already started on half of these. The bureau will follow up on the implementation of the remaining 10%. The recommendations cover overall policies as well as implementation strategies.

The commission envisions turning Hong Kong into an international cultural metropolis and hopes it will become a city where life is celebrated through cultural pursuit, a city where its people are enhanced by the arts, enlightened by different cultures and enriched by social diversity.

The bureau accepts the six strategies forwarded, namely a 'people-oriented' approach, 'pluralism', 'freedom of expression and protection of intellectual property', a 'holistic approach', 'partnership' and 'community-driven' principle.

On areas that have considerable support from the community, such as the promotion of culture and arts education, promotion of creative industries through heritage conservation and cultural exchange, the Government has implemented some specific work plans to respond to the policy proposals listed in the report.

Gov't backs resource deployment recommendations

The bureau agrees that recommendations on resource deployment and an institutional framework should respond to, and affirm, the six strategies, and recognises resources have been skewed towards the performing arts in the past.

On the premise that the long-term development of the performing arts will not be affected, the bureau will gradually deploy more resources to the following five areas: heritage conservation, libraries, museums, promotion at district level and raising professional standards.

The commission has set out the direction for the long-term development of the cultural institutional framework. The bureau will carefully examine and give due consideration to all relevant factors, including protection of the public's cultural rights, impact on the cultural scene, quality and continuity of public cultural service, retention of cultural professionals, cost effectiveness, the interests and legitimate rights of staff, as well as public views.

The Government has been managing most of the cultural facilities for historical reasons. It agrees that we should strengthen the involvement of the community in the management of public cultural facilities to forge a partnership with the community.

It will set up a Libraries Advisory Committee, Museums Advisory Committee and Performing Arts Advisory Committee as soon as practicable to help the Government implement the recommendations.