Government supports Hong Kong Arts Development Council’s decision on funding arrangement for Hong Kong Drama Awards

     The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, today (January 19) expressed support for and agreement with the decision of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC) regarding the funding arrangement for the Hong Kong Drama Awards.
      
     "Government departments and government-funded organisations are obliged to ensure public funds and resources are used properly, and for supporting projects with appropriate content only. After prudent discussion and review, the HKADC considered the content and arrangement of the 31st Hong Kong Drama Awards not appropriate, and decided to reduce the funding support for that round of the Awards. It is reasonable and legitimate for the HKADC to ensure public funds will only subsidise and support arts programmes with appropriate content. The decision of the HKADC meets the requirement and expectation of the Government," Mr Yeung stressed.
      
     "Whether or not any cultural and artistic programmes should be supported by public funds is a question of the proper use of resources, and has nothing to do with restrictions on creativity. There are opinions that the HKADC's decision will affect or even stifle room for creativity. The Government believes that this is putting the cart before the horse and is confusing to the public. The Government does not agree with such unreasonable remarks," he said.
      
     "The Government firmly supports all government-funded organisations to discharge their responsibilities and ensure the appropriate use of public funds and resources, while promoting the development of arts and culture," he reiterated.