A new and forward-looking cultural institution to study, promote and showcase the visual culture of the 20th and 21st centuries from a 'Hong Kong' perspective is chief among the recommendations from an advisory group focused on museum facilities in the proposed West Kowloon Cultural District.

The district's Consultative Committee on the Core Arts and Cultural Facilities' Museums Advisory Group submitted a report on its recommendations today.

It suggests naming the institution 'M+' - or 'Museum Plus'. It would study and showcase visual culture in an unorthodox manner, encourage interaction and actively establish a platform for dialogues with the audience.

"The group attaches great importance to the research and educational role of M+. Hence, in addition to exhibition space, it also proposes to set up a dedicated outreach and education centre, a library/archive, a bookstore, screening facility and artists-in-residence studios," Committee Convenor Victor Lo said.

Four broad groupings suggested

It also recommends a self-financing exhibition centre for displays of arts, culture, creative industries, and to host events related to the district.

The advisory body proposed four initial broad groupings for the institution's development: 'Design', 'Moving Image', 'Popular Culture' and 'Visual Art', including ink art, he said.

Since it was established in April, the group has done extensive consultations and held meetings with professional groups and individuals to gauge their views. Its members also invited overseas museum experts to Hong Kong, and visited major museums abroad. It held more than 12 meetings to discuss and analyse the views received before determining its recommendations.

Chief Secretary for Administration Rafael Hui, who is also Consultative Committee Convenor, thanked Mr Lo and the other members for their efforts. The committee considers their recommendations to be creative and innovative.

Committee to submit its report early next year 

The Consultative Committee and its three advisory groups - the Performing Arts & Tourism Advisory Group, Museum Advisory Group and the Financial Matters Advisory Group - were established in April to re-examine the need for the core arts and cultural facilities in the WKCD.