The Home Affairs Bureau has been liaising with the Sunbeam Theatre landlord in an effort to keep Cantonese opera alive at the venue.

As its tenancy is up for renewal the bureau has sent a letter to the landlord explaining the Government's efforts in promoting Cantonese Opera and to urge the owner's support in developing the art.

The bureau said today the Government understands the importance of adequate resources for the art's growth, forming the Cantonese Opera Development Fund in 2005 which has granted $17 million to more than 210 projects.

The Leisure & Cultural Services Department is also providing more time slots for staging Cantonese Opera at its venues.