LCSD To Fund Projects To Protect Hong Kong Culture

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department is inviting applications for a HK$300 million fund intended to promote Hong Kong's traditional culture.

Community groups can apply for grants to support projects that safeguard, research or promote officially recognised items of "intangible cultural heritage", including everything from Cantonese opera to herbal tea-making.

Chan Shing-wai, the LCSD's assistant director, said the aim of the scheme is to help the general public better appreciate these examples of cultural heritage, rather than developing any particular industry.

Projects can take any form, including exhibitions or craft training schemes. Grants will be for a minimum of HK$250,000 and applications are open until next month.

An independent panel will assess applications based on how unique and feasible they are. They will also take into account applicants' knowledge and skills, and their experience in promoting intangible cultural heritage to the community.

The panel will then monitor and evaluate the progress and effectiveness of funded projects.

Hong Kong's representative list comprises 20 items of intangible cultural heritage, including the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, the Yu Lan Ghost Festival, and Hong Kong-style Milk Tea Making Techniques.