Hong Kong’s new culture minister vows to turn industrial spaces into arts venues
Rosanna Law pledges to examine restrictions related to fire safety, building structure and land use preventing factory spaces from being used for performances
New culture minister Rosanna Law Shuk-pui has promised to “remove barriers” to help landlords convert their commercial or industrial premises into performing venues to enhance Hong Kong’s art scene.
Law made her first appearance as the secretary for culture, sports and tourism in the Legislative Council on Monday, briefing lawmakers on a blueprint for the sector released about two weeks ago by her predecessor Kevin Yeung Yun-hung after a long delay.
The Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development spells out four key directions to be pursued – promoting Chinese culture, developing diverse creative industries, building an international platform for cultural exchanges and refining the ecosystem for creative industries.
Legislator Kenneth Leung Yuk-wai said there was a need to boost the number of performing venues and suggested converting units in factory buildings into black box theatres.
“We are aware that there are some restrictions related to fire safety, building structure and land use,” Law said. “We have been making efforts to try to remove barriers. For commercial premises, we can also make use of them as performing venues if only minor conversion is needed.
“The arts should be able to suit all tastes. If more people can take part, it will be an all-win situation for the sector, the government and the general public.”
