The Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development was released on Tuesday, November 26, detailing 71 measures aimed at industrializing the cultural arts sector, according to sources.
Drafted by the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau, the blueprint outlines four key areas and six guiding principles. Its purpose is to promote the development of diverse arts and culture from an international perspective and to position Hong Kong as a hub for cultural and artistic exchanges between China and the rest of the world.
Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Kevin Yeung emphasized the blueprint’s significance as a long-term strategy for the development of the arts and creative industries. He articulated the government’s commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural environment that not only enhances the appeal of Hong Kong’s rich heritage but also boosts the sense of achievement and happiness among its citizens. The blueprint seeks to solidify Hong Kong’s reputation as a unique East-meets-West hub for international cultural exchanges.
The blueprint outlines a total of 71 measures organized under four strategic directions, each designed to promote and develop various aspects of Hong Kong’s cultural identity. The first strategic direction focuses on the promotion of profound traditional Chinese culture while simultaneously developing cultural content that reflects Hong Kong’s unique character. This involves enhancing museum structures, promoting the Lingnan cultural legacy, and organizing activities that celebrate Chinese culture and history. Additionally, the blueprint emphasizes the importance of nurturing talent well-versed in traditional Chinese culture, which is seen as essential for complementing patriotic education efforts.
The second strategic direction aims to cultivate diverse arts and culture industries with an international perspective. This includes initiatives to position Hong Kong as a “capital of creativity” and a “capital of pop culture.” The government plans to improve both the quantity and quality of cultural infrastructure, thereby enhancing the overall cultural environment and encouraging broader audience participation. By fostering a dynamic arts scene, the blueprint envisions a thriving creative economy that resonates with both local and international audiences.
The third strategic direction is centered on establishing international platforms to facilitate East-meets-West arts and cultural exchanges. This involves consolidating Hong Kong’s status as the “capital of international mega arts and cultural events.” The government aims to host and support a greater number of large-scale, diverse, and innovative arts events, thereby attracting global attention and participation. Furthermore, the blueprint highlights the importance of leveraging Hong Kong’s international curatorial and creative skills to promote both traditional Chinese culture and the region’s unique cultural identity on a global stage.
In addition to promoting local culture, the blueprint seeks to attract arts groups and practitioners from the Mainland and abroad to engage in cultural exchanges with Hong Kong. This initiative is expected to enrich the local arts scene and foster collaborative opportunities that benefit all parties involved.
The final strategic direction focuses on enhancing the ecosystem for the arts, culture, and creative industries by establishing relevant industry chains within Hong Kong. This includes strengthening the cultural and creative talent pool and fostering market dynamics that create mutually beneficial relationships between the arts, cultural, and creative sectors and the business community. The government aims to support industries in exploring both Mainland and international markets while providing better infrastructure and conditions for the development of these sectors as viable industries.
