Can Hong Kong do without a Cultural Bureau?

Abstract

I commenced this study with a single question: Can Hong Kong do without a Cultural Bureau? As the respondents fed back over a four-month period, thematic various strands converged. It seems that, by and large, there is a consensus amongst the cultural sector that a Cultural Bureau would be a good idea, though this is highly contingent on a clear and transparent mandate, and a Chief who the cultural sector will support. A Cultural Bureau might solve various issues, such as; fragmentation, centralization, issues concerning perceived value of culture, metrics for measuring success – and other inhibiting factors. Perhaps a more realistic, outcome, however, was the shared view that a unified vision is needed ahead of a Cultural Bureau. The term Cultural Bureau is so politically charged at this moment in Hong Kong’s history, that its chances of survival are slim. Rather late in the study, I chanced upon the Culture and Heritage Commission’s Policy Recommendation Report from 2003 – here was the vision, and the blueprint – though it was incredulously shelved! The discussion has turned back to that report – as many respondents were either not aware of its existence or had forgotten about it. I hope my contribution here, will shine a light on that report and will go some way towards encouraging further debate around the matter.