Community Arts and Culture in Urban Renewal
The URA believes that while improving the building condition and built environment remains an important part of urban renewal, the vision of urban renewal should embrace the concept of enhancing the quality of living of residents in old urban areas. In August 2011, the URA launched a strategic implementation framework for community arts and culture, aiming to integrate arts and cultural elements in urban renewal that would help underscore this vision.
The pilot action plan comprises five initiatives:
- Dedicated fund for arts and cultural activities in old urban areas.
- Work with local groups in organising arts and cultural programmes that are related to urban renewal.
- Fully utilise its venues and facilities, including the Oasis Gallery, its acquired and yet-to-be demolished premises.
- Encourage its joint venture partners to fully utilise public open spaces and malls for staging arts and cultural activities.
- Inject cultural elements into urban renewal projects.
(1) Arts and Cultural Partnership Programme in Old Urban Districts: Pilot Scheme
The URA introduces the "Arts and Cultural Partnership Programme in Old Urban Districts: Pilot Scheme" (ACPP) to provide financial support to local non-profit making organisations in organising arts and cultural programmes which are able to bring arts/culture to the local community, or bring the local community to the appreciation of arts/culture.
- Arts and Cultural Partnership Programme in Old Urban Districts: Pilot Scheme Pamphlet
- Arts and Cultural Partnership Programme in Old Urban Districts: Pilot Scheme Application Form
Enquiries: 2588 2333 or inquiry@mail1.ura.org.hk
(2) Utilisation of URA venue for Community Arts/Cultural Programmes
No. 192 Prince Edward Road West
In September 2011, the URA invited proposals from non-government organisation (NGO) interested in operating a ground floor shop for arts/cultural purpose to benefit the community at 192 Prince Edward Road West in Mong Kok under a licence agreement. The shop is situated in URA's Prince Edward Road West/Yuen Ngai Street Heritage Preservation & Revitalisation Project. The New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (NLPRA) has been awarded the licence to operate a social enterprise named "rwb 330".
The NLPRA has invited renowned artist anothermountainman to run this concept store, to promote positive thinking and provide job opportunities to people in recovery of mental illness. Furnished with the classic "red-white-blue" fabric and themed on "Positive Hong Kong", "rwb330" integrates the artistic atmosphere of modern art and the 60's and 70's of Hong Kong. Apart from displaying a collection of the tri-colour artworks and selling locally designed products, creative workshops are offered on a regular basis.
No. 5 Wing Lee Street
The Hong Kong Arts Centre has been awarded the licence to use No. 5 Wing Lee Street for artist-in-residence programme. Overseas artists engaged by small- to-medium-sized arts organisations will be invited to this "Artist Home Base" which aims at fostering cultural exchanges and incubating creative ideas within the local community.
