WKCD Street Performance Scheme is Back

The West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA or the Authority) announces that application for its Street Performance Scheme (the Scheme), which has been temporarily suspended for more than two and a half years owing to the epidemic, is reopened today. Following the resumption of the Scheme, the Authority looks forward to further enriching the performing arts programmes at the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD or the District) and injecting more colours and vitality into the entire District.

Since its launch in August 2015, the Street Performance Scheme has been welcomed by street performers and the audience. Application for the scheme has been temporarily suspended since November 2020 as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. Before the temporary suspension, the Authority had issued more than 860 “Street Performance Permits” under the Scheme, through which street performers could put on their acts in the public open space of the District.

Application is resumed from now until 18 June 2023 (Sunday). Interested Individuals and groups shall complete a designated application form, and submit information on the performance type, content and equipment or instrument used. Applicants must also submit a video of not more than 5 minutes to demonstrate the act/performance. A Review Panel, comprising the Authority’s representatives, will be formed to select quality and diverse performances by individuals or performing groups.

Each application shall be for one individual performer or a performance group of not more than eight performers. Each selected individual performer or performance group will be issued a “Street Performance Permit”, which will be valid for six months. Permit-holding street performers may reserve to perform at designated performance areas in WKCD during designated timeslots at weekends and public holidays (except dates reserved for special events). The Scheme covers a wide range of street performances, including playing musical instruments, acting, singing, clowning, magic, dancing, or other performance skills.

“Exciting music and shows are not exclusive to concert halls, auditoriums, or grand theatres. You may have come across a mini-concert or dance show in a public space that is so good or interesting that it makes you pause to enjoy it for a few minutes. Not only does street entertainment enhance our experience of our urban cultural landscape, it also serves as a platform for aspiring artists to hone their crafts and promote their works. WKCD, with its spectacular harbour view and the popular Art Park, provides street performers with a unique, and coveted, stage to shine. With the resumption of the Scheme, we hope the tens of thousands of visitors to the Art Park every week will be able to feel the vibes of this dynamic city,” said Paul Tam, Executive Director, Performing Arts of the WKCDA.

Tam added, “The Authority has been nurturing and supporting young art talents through various schemes and strives to promote community engagement. Young street performers are particularly encouraged to take part in the Scheme, which would enable their performances and creations to reach a broader audience. At the same time, their creativity will energise the District and enrich visitors’ experience.”

Parties who are interested in applying for the Scheme can visit the Street Performance Scheme webpage of WKCD and learn more about the details of the application process and the Scheme: https://www.westkowloon.hk/en/street-performance-scheme.

The Authority will continue with its efforts to deliver high-quality performing arts programmes, as well as to provide a platform for capacity building and audience cultivation. The Authority is committed to creating a cultural quarter that can be shared by the people of Hong Kong and a popular cultural attraction for tourists.

Remarks

About the West Kowloon Cultural District
The West Kowloon Cultural District is one of the largest and most ambitious cultural projects in the world. Its vision is to create a vibrant new cultural quarter for Hong Kong on forty hectares of reclaimed land located alongside Victoria Harbour. With a varied mix of theatres, performance spaces, and museums, the West Kowloon Cultural District will produce and host world-class exhibitions, performances, and cultural events, providing twenty-three hectares of public open space, including a two-kilometre waterfront promenade.