HK gov't to launch 38.7-mln-USD art development scheme

Xinhua News Agency

text

Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying said on Wednesday that the government will launch a 300- million-HK dollars (about 38.7 million U.S. dollars) scheme for art development.

Delivering his annual policy address at the Legislative Council, Leung said, the amount of private donation and sponsorship secured by local art groups will be matched by grants under the Art Development Matching Grants Pilot Scheme.

Leung also said he will make the Deputy Secretary for Home Affairs responsible for sports policies as the Commissioner for Sports to co-ordinate cross-bureau or cross-departmental sports initiatives.

The government will formulate a career program for retired athletes, under which schools and national sports associations will be subsidized and encouraged to employ retired athletes.

The program will help the athletes build a solid foundation for their career plans and future development, and assist schools and national sports associations in promoting sport and nurturing talent, he said.

Furthermore, the government has decided to make free admission to Leisure & Cultural Services Department permanent museum exhibitions a standing practice.