Performance groups in Hong Kong struggle to find performance venues
Reporters: Laurissa Liu, Kelly Chen, Alice Wang, Katherine Wang
Editors: Fangdong Bai, Valerie Wan
The West Kowloon Cultural District is the largest arts and cultural project in Hong Kong to date. Comprising 40 hectares, the district houses 17 core arts and cultural venues and space for arts education. But the increase in public performance venues still fails to meet the market demand.
Alan and Becky dance group says they had to file application for the use of Tsuen Wan Town Hall three years before the performance date.
Prune Deer, a math-rock band also has difficulties finding performance venues. Like most other independent bands, they have to practice and perform inside industrial buildings.
The number of failure cases of applying for government performance venues has risen in the past few years. In the year 2015-16, 14,789 were recorded, 19,459 for 2016-2017 and 23,398 for 2017-2018, according to the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
Established in 1993, Passover Dance is a non-profit dance organisation. They also have problems booking performance venues. Pewan Chow, the Artistic Director points out public performance venues are in great demand, as the rent is much cheaper.
