Following the consultation forums on the West Kowloon Cultural District, the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (ADC) had conducted a questionnaire survey from 9 to 27 February to further collect public opinions. The questionnaire covers four major areas i) Development concept and background of the project; ii) Core and other arts and cultural facilities; iii) Management and operation of the arts and cultural facilities; and iv) Assessment criteria. More than 3,000 questionnaires were sent to arts and cultural organisations and schools. 403 questionnaires were returned, with approximately 13% response rate.

More than 80% of the respondents agree that the development of West Kowloon Cultural District can enhance Hong Kong's position as a centre of arts, culture and entertainment in Asia. About 60% agree that private sector (developers and/or consortia) can play a major role in the project, reflecting public expectation of mixture of arts and culture with commercial activities. One-third of the respondents support one single developer or consortium to oversee the entire project, while roughly equal proportion of respondents disagree. Respondents generally agree that the facilities should be in sync with the philosophy of arts education.

As for the core and other arts and cultural facilities, respondents agree the establishment of core facilities such as theatre and film-screening facilities. About 70% agree that the design of the Canopy should take the users of the Piazza Areas into consideration, and the Piazza Areas should be equipped with lighting, audio systems and other facilities to complement large scale open air performances. Other proposed facilities that receive positive support include 2,000- to 2,300-seat Concert Hall, 300- to 400-seat performance venue for chamber music, arts education and development centre, museum of arts education, book city and Hong Kong Visual Arts Academy. Besides, more than half of the respondents agree to build additional museum displaying traditional Chinese artefacts to showcase Chinese culture. As for developing the unique character of each facility and the role of Resident Companies, about one-third agree the proposal and some 30% disagree.

The result shows that more than 60% of the respondents agree the diverse mode of governance, in which the facilities should be managed by statutory bodies, non-profit companies or on commercial basis. The board of directors of the statutory body or the non-profit company should include members from the arts and business communities, as well as representatives from the government and the successful proponent. For the financial management, 65% agree that the successful proponent should fix an annual budget to finance the operation of each facility, and the budget should be subject to periodic readjustment in line with inflation. In order to create a more conducive environment for the development of arts, nearly 80% agree that the management of facilities should form partnership with relevant government departments and statutory bodies.

For the assessment criteria, 75% of the respondents agree that the arts community should take part in the assessment process, while some respondents concern that conflict of interests may arise. It is proposed that the government should establish assessment criteria while allowing the proponents to design and develop its proposal at the same time. For the technical proposal, respondents agree that additional/alternative ideas of design concept, layout and overall built form, conceptual design for core and other arts and cultural facilities, compatibility of commercial, retail, office, hotel, residential and entertainment facilities with the core arts and cultural facilities, project/programme management are of high importance to the arts community. For the financial proposal, respondents agree that proponent's financial capability and commitment, and long term viability of the project (including ability to raise the required capital and service any debt, maintain full operation throughout, withstand shortfalls in revenue, and withstand programme delay) are more essential. For the operation, maintenance and management proposal, respondents indicate that mission statement, themes and programme content, mode of governance for core arts and cultural facilities, other arts and cultural facilities, maintenance, as well as overall traffic and crowd control management are moe important.

The ADC will submit the survey result to the government authorities for consideration. For detailed result, please visit the ADC's website http://www.hkadc.org.hk in late March.