Cash-strapped arts hub warns of opening restrictions
The cash-strapped West Kowloon Cultural District on Saturday said the M+ and palace museums may have to restrict the days on which they open unless the government replies promptly to its financial proposals. Henry Tang, who chairs the cultural district authority's board, told i-Cable News that they have already handed in plans as to what to do when the authority's funds are drained next year, but the administration has not responded. He added that the government should have also completed a study into the authority's finances. Tang said the arts hub will run out of money in June 2025, and that it's now taking loans. "If the government delays [giving us a reply], we'll need to take big steps to cut costs. For example, the museums might just open four days a week, instead of six. The Xiqu centre may also open on fewer days," he said. "But will this be fair to the public? After all, this is not a commercial undertaking but a key public policy project." Tang added that restricting the days the facilities open will also go against the national policy to establish Hong Kong as a hub for cultural exchange. He had earlier told local newspapers that they did not wish to request more public money, but could shore up the cultural quarter's finances by selling part of its 40 hectares of land. He said a decision on their funding proposal will have to be made by June to enable contracts to be signed for new exhibitions and projects.