New home likely for Hong Kong indie music club Hidden Agenda after more than HK$500,000 raised

Popular indie music club Hidden Agenda looks set to live on at a new venue after a successful crowdfunding appeal raised more than HK$500,000 in just one week.

The organisers of the alternative music venue in Kwun Tong revealed on Monday night they had surpassed their financial target after the online appeal was launched last week.

The club’s future was left in doubt this summer after the Lands Department issued the landlord with a final notice to leave its current premises at the Winful Industrial Building because it had been operating illegally.

But with the new cash injection, Hidden Agenda now appears likely to have a new home.

Kakei Ng, Hidden Agenda’s media spokeswoman, told the the Post on Tuesday that the successful crowdfunding appeal meant the club could pay a deposit to its new landlord, obtain the keys to the new venue and begin construction.

She would not reveal details of the new site but said the club was likely to remain in the Kwun Tong area.

In a Facebook post on Monday evening, a club spokesman said it expected to launch at a new venue before the end of the year. Its final gig at the Winful Industrial Building will be on October 14.

“We have received sufficient funds to continue Hidden Agenda!” he said. “Thank you to all the backers. And now let’s prepare for reopening [the] show towards the end of 2016. See you!”

The post received more than 2,000 likes and was shared almost 600 times in less than 24 hours.

Netizens were quick to express their excitement following the news.

One user, David Smail, posted: “Congratulations! Best news of the week”.

Another follower of the club’s page, James Chu, wrote: “Support Hidden Agenda! Bring more awesome bands to Hong Kong!”

Another user added: “Yeah! This is the will and power [of the Hong Kong] indie scene! For those who still think there is no value [in] Hidden Agenda, please reconsider!”

Hidden Agenda, primarily known for showcasing rock and metal bands since it launched in 2009, was previously forced to relocate for similar issues over commercial licensing.

(SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST)