First-round applications invited for Community-driven Projects under ICH Funding Scheme

     The Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Office of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) launched the ICH Funding Scheme today (March 25) and invited the first round of applications for the Community-driven Projects.
 
     The objective of the funding scheme is to support individuals and organisations in Hong Kong in carrying out ICH projects with a view to strengthening the safeguarding, research and promotion of local ICH items and education about them, as well as supporting the transmission of ICH by local bearers and bearer organisations. By engaging the community's participation in safeguarding ICH, it is hoped that the public can enhance their awareness and understanding of ICH and boost their respect for it.
 
     The scope of support covers projects related to the items in the Representative List and the Inventory of the ICH of Hong Kong. The proposed projects must be of a certain scale or larger than others of the same type, and the funding amount applied for on each project shall not be less than $250,000.
 
     The LCSD has set up an assessment panel under the ICH Advisory Committee for assessing applications as well as monitoring and evaluating the progress and effectiveness of the funded projects. The panel will assess the applications based on the objectives and contents of the proposed projects, the uniqueness of the ideas and feasibility of the implementation, the relevant knowledge and skills of the applicants, the effectiveness in promoting ICH in the community, the rationality of the proposed budgets, and the self-assessment mechanisms. The assessment results and funding recommendations of the panel will be submitted to the LCSD for due consideration.
 
     The ICH Office will also report regularly to the ICH Advisory Committee on the submissions and results of each round of applications, as well as the progress and effectiveness of the funded projects.
 
     Application information is available at the ICH Office (address: Sam Tung Uk Museum, 2 Kwu Uk Lane, Tsuen Wan, New Territories) and the ICH Office website (www.lcsd.gov.hk/ICHO). The closing date of application is May 3.
 
     A briefing session will be held at 11am on April 8 at the Lecture Hall of the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre, Kowloon Park, Haiphong Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, to brief interested individuals and organisations on the content and application details of the funding scheme. Registration for the briefing session can be made online on the above website or by phone. For registration or other enquiries, please contact the ICH Office at 2267 1971.