Art or box office? How Hong Kong plans to measure the value of a play, ballet or symphony

Hong Kong's government plans to overhaul its performing arts funding model, shifting from a permanent system to a non-permanent one that prioritizes merit and commercial returns. This change, announced in the city leader's latest policy address, aims to encourage established performing arts groups to reduce their reliance on public subsidies, thereby creating space for emerging companies. Industry experts support this move, suggesting it will foster a more dynamic arts scene. However, directors of some major performing arts groups expressed concern, citing the current economic downturn's impact on securing private funding and advocating for a long-term perspective on arts development.