Leisure and Cultural Services DepartmentLeisure and Cultural Services Department
Introduction
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department performs the following roles in relation to the promotion of performing arts activities including music, dance, theatre, Chinese opera, multi-arts and film :
- To present and sponsor a balanced programme by visiting and local artists for the enjoyment of the public;
- To provide performance opportunities for established and promising local artists and organisations;
- To provide and manage venues for performances and rehearsals;
- To promote and nurture interest in and appreciation of the performing arts among the public;
- To encourage creativity in the performing arts;
- To support local small and medium performing arts companies;
- To provide instrumental music training programmes and other music activities for young people through the Music Office;
- To provide free community cultural arts programmes and organise traditional festival celebrations;
- To promote appreciation and development of film and media arts;
- To facilitate cultural exchange programmes; and
- To promote Hong Kong Pop Culture.
Besides presenting a year-round programme of performances by visiting and local artists, the Department presents and organises two international festivals each year - the International Arts Carnival for children and families in summer, and the Asia+ Festival in autumn. The Department organises the “Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival” every year, in order to show the general public the uniqueness of Hong Kong’s pop culture from new perspectives.The Department also attaches great importance to cultural exchange with the Mainland and overseas countries, thereby securing performance opportunities outside Hong Kong for local artists and bringing home a fine selection of quality programmes. In addition, the Department sponsors the annual Hong Kong Arts Festival.
In order to promote the performing arts to the general public, the Department organises audience building and educational programmes and schemes such as New to the Theatre: School Culture Day Scheme, Taking Centre Stage: School Performing Arts in Practice Scheme, Community Cultural Ambassador Scheme, Venue Partnership Scheme, free performances at the foyer of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and other major performing arts venues, free educational programmes for students, and lectures, workshops, seminars and symposiums. The Music Office also provides music training for the public and students.
Currently, the Department manages 16 performance venues, as well as the territory-wide computerised ticketing system-URBTIX. Various concessionary ticketing schemes are provided to full-time students, senior citizens aged 60 or above, people with disabilities and the minder and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients to ensure that all can have a chance to see the high quality performances at affordable prices.
