An Ordinance to establish the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority to develop the land leased to the Authority into an integrated arts and cultural district and to provide, operate, manage, maintain or otherwise deal with, arts and cultural facilities and related facilities in, and ancillary facilities outside, the district; to provide for the powers and functions of the Authority; to provide for planning and financial matters; and to provide for connected matters.
[11 July 2008]
(Format changes—E.R. 1 of 2021)
(Enacting provision omitted—E.R. 1 of 2021)
This Ordinance may be cited as the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority Ordinance.
In this Ordinance, unless the context otherwise requires—
ancillary facilities (附屬設施) means any facilities provided outside the leased area that are ancillary to the preparation or provision of arts and cultural facilities; approved development plan (核准發展圖則) means— (a)subject to paragraph (b), the approved development plan referred to in section 21(11), as from time to time amended, revised or otherwise having effect as an approved plan under the Town Planning Ordinance (Cap. 131); or (b)where any approved plan under that Ordinance has replaced the plan, the approved plan currently having effect in respect of the plan area under that Ordinance; arts and cultural facilities (藝術文化設施) means any arts or cultural facilities provided within the leased area that are comprised in any land set apart for such facilities in the approved development plan; Authority (管理局) means the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority established under section 3(1); Board (董事局) means the Board of the Authority established under section 6(1); Board member (董事) means any member of the Board referred to in section 6(3), including the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer; Chairman (主席) means the Chairman referred to in section 6(3)(a); charge (押記) includes any form of security, including a mortgage; Chief Executive Officer (行政總裁) means the Chief Executive Officer of the Authority appointed under section 7; committee member (委員) means a member of any committee established under this Ordinance; financial year (財政年度), in relation to the Authority, means— (a)the period beginning on the date of commencement of this Ordinance and ending on 31 March in the next following year; or (b)the period of 12 months ending on 31 March in each subsequent year; function (職能) includes a power and a duty; land grant (批地文件) means any instrument in writing by which the Director of Lands agrees to lease land within the plan area (or interests or other rights in respect of the land) to the Authority, and includes a reference to the legal estate created by virtue of section 14 of the Conveyancing and Property Ordinance (Cap. 219) in the land; leased area (批租地區) means all the area of land within the plan area which is leased to the Authority under any land grant; plan area (規劃區) means the area that is set apart for “Arts, Cultural, Entertainment, Commercial and Other Uses” in the SWK approved plan; related facilities (相關設施) means any facilities other than arts and cultural facilities provided within the leased area that are comprised in any land set apart for such facilities in the approved development plan, including— (a)any retail, dining or entertainment facilities; (b)a mechanical system (if any) which is constructed or adapted for the carriage of passengers and their personal effects within such area; (c)roads, public piers and other transport facilities; (d)public car parks; (e)public open space; and (f)such other facilities as the Authority considers necessary or expedient; subsidiary (附屬公司) means a body corporate that is a subsidiary of the Authority within the meaning of section 15 of the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622) for the purposes of that Ordinance; (Amended 28 of 2012 ss. 912 & 920) SWK approved plan (西南九龍核准圖則) means the approved plan currently having effect in respect of the lay-out of South West Kowloon under the Town Planning Ordinance (Cap. 131); SWK draft plan (西南九龍草圖) means any draft plan for the lay-out of South West Kowloon— (a)which is exhibited under section 5 of the Town Planning Ordinance (Cap. 131); or (b)any amendment to which is exhibited under section 7 of that Ordinance; Town Planning Board (城規會) means the Town Planning Board appointed under section 2 of the Town Planning Ordinance (Cap. 131); Vice-Chairman (副主席) means any Vice-Chairman appointed under section 6(4).There is established by this section a body corporate with the corporate name of “West Kowloon Cultural District Authority” in English and “西九文化區管理局” in Chinese.
The Authority—
has perpetual succession in its corporate name;
shall provide itself with a corporate seal; and
is capable of suing and being sued in its corporate name.
The Authority is neither a servant nor an agent of the Government and does not enjoy any status, immunity or privilege of the Government.
The functions of the Authority are—
to prepare a development plan under section 21(1) and to perform the other functions imposed on it under section 21;
to develop the leased area in accordance with the land use and other requirements or conditions specified in the approved development plan;
either alone or jointly or by agreement with any other person, to provide (including plan, design and construct), operate, manage, maintain or otherwise deal with arts and cultural facilities, related facilities or ancillary facilities;
to advocate, promote, organize, sponsor, encourage and provide for the appreciation of and participation in arts and culture;
to promote, exhibit and display the arts publicly and otherwise;
to initiate and support the creation, composition, production, learning and practising of the arts; and
to perform such other functions as are conferred or imposed on the Authority by or under this or any other Ordinance.
The Authority shall perform its functions under subsection (1) in ways which aim to achieve the following objectives—
to facilitate the long-term development of Hong Kong as an international arts and cultural metropolis;
to uphold and encourage freedom of artistic expression and creativity;
to enhance and promote excellence, innovation, creativity and diversity in arts and culture;
to enhance the appreciation of a diverse and pluralistic range of the arts;
to develop new and experimental works in arts and culture;
to cultivate and nurture local talents in the arts (including local artists), and local arts groups and arts-related personnel;
to encourage wider participation by the local community in arts and culture;
to promote and provide arts education to the local community;
to facilitate the development of cultural and creative industries;
to facilitate and enhance cultural exchange and cooperation between the Mainland of China, Hong Kong and any other place;
to facilitate and enhance cooperation between any government or non-government body or organization and providers of the arts, within and outside Hong Kong;
to encourage community, commercial and corporate support and sponsorship of arts and culture;
to provide or facilitate the provision of free and accessible open space within the leased area to the general public; and
to strengthen the position of Hong Kong as a tourist destination.
The Authority may do all such things as are necessary for, or incidental or conducive to, the performance of its functions under this Ordinance.
Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), the Authority may—
acquire, hold, lease or hire any kind of property, whether movable or immovable;
subject to the terms and conditions contained in the land grant, sell, surrender or otherwise dispose of any kind of immovable property;
sell, surrender or otherwise dispose of any kind of movable property;
enter into, assign or accept the assignment of, and vary or rescind, any contract or obligation, whether or not for the purpose of providing, operating, managing, maintaining or otherwise dealing with arts and cultural facilities, related facilities or ancillary facilities;
apply for and receive any grant for the performance of its functions on such terms and conditions as it considers appropriate;
receive and solicit gifts, donations or sponsorship, whether on trust or otherwise, and act as trustee of moneys or other properties vested in it on trust, for any purposes consistent with the objectives specified in section 4(2);
sponsor or provide financial support to facilitate the organization of activities relating to arts and culture;
establish any body corporate (including a subsidiary) or any trust or non-profit making organization, as may be appropriate in the opinion of the Authority, to facilitate the achievement of the objectives specified in section 4(2);
acquire or dispose of shares of any body corporate (including a subsidiary);
liaise and cooperate with any person, whether within or outside Hong Kong, for any purposes consistent with the objectives specified in section 4(2);
determine, approve or collect, or vary, waive or refund, fees or charges for the use of arts and cultural facilities, related facilities or ancillary facilities;
specify terms and conditions for the use of any of the facilities referred to in paragraph (k);
commission, mount or present any work of visual art, exhibition or theatrical, music, dance or other arts production; and
either alone or jointly or by agreement with any other person, exercise any of the powers of the Authority.
There is established by this section a Board of the Authority.
The Board is the governing and executive body of the Authority with authority to perform, in the name of the Authority, the functions conferred or imposed on the Authority by or under this Ordinance.
The Board is to consist of—
the Chairman who may or may not be a public officer;
the Chief Executive Officer;
not less than 8 and not more than 15 other members who are not public officers, including—
at least 5 members who, in the opinion of the Chief Executive—
are of good standing in the field of arts and culture in the Mainland of China, Hong Kong or any other place; or
have extensive knowledge of, or wide experience in or exposure to, arts and cultural activities;
at least one member who is a member of the Legislative Council; and
such other members who possess experience in management, engineering, planning, architecture, landscape architecture, surveying, accounting, finance, education, law or community service, or such professional or other experience as would, in the opinion of the Chief Executive, render them suitable for appointment; and
3 other members who are public officers.
The Chief Executive may appoint one or more than one Board member (other than the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer) as Vice-Chairman of the Board as long as the person is a Board member.
All Board members (other than the Chief Executive Officer) are to be appointed by the Chief Executive.
The Chief Executive Officer is to be an ex-officio member of the Board.
An appointment made under this section is to be notified in the Gazette.
Where the requirements of subsection (3) are not complied with as a result of any change in membership of the Board or any change of the status of any Board member, the Chief Executive shall as soon as reasonably practicable make the necessary appointment to ensure that the requirements are complied with.
Notwithstanding subsections (3) and (8), the Board may perform any of its functions, and its proceedings are valid, despite—
a vacancy in the membership of the Board;
a defect in the appointment or qualification of a person purporting to be a Board member; or
a minor irregularity in the convening of any Board meeting.
A notification under subsection (7) is not subsidiary legislation.
The Authority may, with the prior approval of the Chief Executive, appoint a person to be the Chief Executive Officer of the Authority who is to be an employee of the Authority.
There is established by this section a committee to be known as the Audit Committee.
The functions of the Audit Committee are—
to consider such matters relating to the financial affairs of the Authority and to conduct an audit (whether generally or in respect of particular matters) as the Committee considers necessary or desirable;
to deal with any matter delegated to it by the Authority under section 13; and
to consider any other matter, whether financial or otherwise, referred or assigned to it by the Board for consideration.
The Audit Committee is to consist of such number of members, not being less than 3, as the Board may determine.
At least one member of the Audit Committee is to be a member who, in the opinion of the Board, possesses such appropriate professional qualification or expertise in accounting or financial management as would render the member suitable for appointment.
Each of the members of the Audit Committee, whether or not the member is a Board member, is to be appointed by the Board.
A person is not eligible for appointment as a member of the Audit Committee if—
he is the Chief Executive Officer or any other employee of the Authority; or
he is the chairman of any other committee established under this Ordinance.
The Board is to appoint a Board member (other than the Chairman) to be the chairman of the Audit Committee.
The Board may—
withdraw any matter referred or assigned under subsection (2)(c); or
revoke any appointment made under subsection (5) or (7).
An appointment made under this section is to be made public in the manner that the Board considers fit.
Meetings of the Audit Committee are to be held as often as may be necessary for the performance of its functions.
The Audit Committee may, subject to the requirements of this Ordinance, regulate its own administration, proceedings and business in such manner as it considers appropriate.
There is established by this section a committee to be known as the Investment Committee.
The functions of the Investment Committee are—
to advise the Authority in relation to its functions under section 23;
for the purposes of paragraph (a), to monitor any investment made under section 23 and oversee the management of such investment;
to deal with any matter delegated to it by the Authority under section 13; and
to consider any other matter relating to investment or finance that is referred or assigned to it by the Board for consideration.
The Investment Committee is to consist of—
the Director of Accounting Services, or his representative; and
such number of other members, not being less than 2, as the Board may determine who, in the opinion of the Board, possess such expertise or experience as would render them suitable for appointment.
Each of the members of the Investment Committee specified in subsection (3)(b), whether or not the member is a Board member, is to be appointed by the Board.
The Board is to appoint a Board member to be the chairman of the Investment Committee.
The Board may—
withdraw any matter referred or assigned under subsection (2)(d); or
revoke any appointment made under subsection (4) or (5).
An appointment made under this section is to be made public in the manner that the Board considers fit.
Meetings of the Investment Committee are to be held as often as may be necessary for the performance of its functions.
The Investment Committee may, subject to the requirements of this Ordinance, regulate its own administration, proceedings and business in such manner as it considers appropriate.
There is established by this section a committee to be known as the Remuneration Committee.
The functions of the Remuneration Committee are—
to advise the Authority in relation to its functions under section 12(2) and (3);
to advise the Authority on any other matter relating to the remuneration, allowances or benefits made available to its employees, former employees or their dependants that is referred or assigned to it by the Board for consideration; and
to deal with any matter delegated to it by the Authority under section 13.
The Remuneration Committee is to consist of such number of members, not being less than 3, as the Board may determine.
Each of the members of the Remuneration Committee, whether or not the member is a Board member, is to be appointed by the Board.
The Board is to appoint a Board member (other than the Chief Executive Officer) to be the chairman of the Remuneration Committee.
The Board may—
withdraw any matter referred or assigned under subsection (2)(b); or
revoke any appointment made under subsection (4) or (5).
An appointment made under this section is to be made public in the manner that the Board considers fit.
Meetings of the Remuneration Committee are to be held as often as may be necessary for the performance of its functions.
The Remuneration Committee may, subject to the requirements of this Ordinance, regulate its own administration, proceedings and business in such manner as it considers appropriate.
The Board may, for the purpose of performing any of the functions of the Authority, establish such committee as the Board considers necessary or expedient to deal with any matter (including, in particular, matters relating to planning, finance and operation of arts and cultural facilities).
The Board may refer or assign a matter to any committee established under this section for consideration.
A committee is to consist of such number of committee members as the Board may determine.
Each of the committee members, whether or not the member is a Board member, is to be appointed by the Board.
The Board is to appoint a Board member (other than the Chairman) to be the chairman of a committee.
The Board may—
withdraw any matter referred or assigned under subsection (2); or
revoke any appointment made under subsection (4) or (5).
An appointment made under this section is to be made public in the manner that the Board considers fit.
A committee established under this section may, subject to the requirements of this Ordinance, regulate its own administration, proceedings and business in such manner as it considers appropriate.
Subject to section 7, the Authority may appoint any person to be its employee.
The Authority may determine the terms and conditions of the employment of its employees, having regard to the advice of the Remuneration Committee established under section 10.
The Authority may make arrangements for the provision and maintenance of any schemes for the payment of pensions, gratuities and retirement benefits to the employees or former employees of the Authority or their dependants, having regard to the advice of the Remuneration Committee established under section 10.
The Authority may engage such consultants or advisors as it may consider necessary or expedient and may determine the terms and conditions of their engagement.
Subject to subsection (3), the Authority may delegate any of its functions to—
any Board member;
any committee established under this Ordinance;
any body corporate (including a subsidiary) acquired or established by, or any trust or non-profit making organization, established by, the Authority; or
any employee of the Authority.
In delegating under subsection (1)(b) any function to a committee established under section 8, 9 or 10, the Authority shall have regard to the committee’s functions as specified under this Ordinance.
No delegation is to be made under subsection (1) in respect of—
the power of the Authority to delegate under this section;
the power to make bylaws;
the power to acquire or establish a body corporate (including a subsidiary), or establish a trust or non-profit making organization;
the power to acquire or dispose of shares of a body corporate (including a subsidiary).
Where the Authority delegates any function under this section, it may at the same time authorize the delegate to sub-delegate the function and the authorization may contain restrictions or conditions on the exercise of the power to sub-delegate.
A delegation under this section does not prevent the Authority from concurrently performing the function delegated unless it is otherwise stated in the delegation.
A sub-delegation under this section does not prevent a delegate of the Authority from concurrently performing the function sub-delegated unless it is otherwise stated in the sub-delegation.
Where a person or any committee established under this Ordinance purports to act pursuant to a delegation or sub-delegation under this section, he or it is presumed, unless the contrary is proved, to be acting in accordance with the terms of the delegation or sub-delegation.
The Schedule has effect with respect to the Board members and the Chief Executive Officer, and the proceedings of and other matters concerning the Board.
Subject to subsection (2), the Chief Executive in Council may, if he considers the public interest so requires, give such directions in writing to the Authority as he considers appropriate.
A direction given under subsection (1) may not require the Authority to do, or not to do, anything if the requirement is wholly or partly inconsistent with this Ordinance.
The Authority shall comply with any direction given under subsection (1).
A direction given under subsection (1) is to remain in force for such period as is specified in it or, if no period is specified, until it is withdrawn by the Chief Executive in Council.
If compliance with a direction given under subsection (1) results, or is expected to result, in the Authority’s being unable to pay (whether wholly or partly) a debt or to discharge (whether wholly or partly) any of its other legal obligations, then subject to subsection (7), the Government shall, upon an application made by the Authority, pay to it an amount equal to any loss as may be reasonably incurred by the Authority by reason of such compliance.
Any sum which is payable under subsection (5) is to be charged and paid out of the general revenue.
Where an application is made under subsection (5), the Authority shall give to the Financial Secretary such relevant information or other relevant particulars as he may require.
The Chief Executive may require the Authority to furnish to him such information relating to its affairs or activities as may be specified by him.
The Authority shall comply with any requirement made under subsection (1) and afford to the Chief Executive facilities for the verification of information furnished.
The Financial Secretary may, for the purposes of Part 4, require the Authority to furnish to him such information relating to its financial affairs as may be specified by him.
The Authority shall comply with any requirement made under subsection (1) and afford to the Financial Secretary facilities for the verification of information furnished.
The Legislative Council or any committee of the Legislative Council may request the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer to attend its meetings.
The Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer shall—
comply with the request; and
answer questions raised by the Members of the Legislative Council at the meetings.
Without prejudice to section 21(3)(a), the Authority shall, in relation to matters concerning the development or operation of arts and cultural facilities, related facilities, ancillary facilities and any other matters as the Authority considers fit, consult the public at such time and in such manner as it considers appropriate.
Without limiting the generality of section 19, the Authority shall establish a consultation panel to gather public views on matters relevant to the functions of the Authority.
The consultation panel is to consist of a chairman and such number of other members as the Authority may determine.
Each of the members of the consultation panel, including its chairman, is to be appointed by the Authority.
In appointing any member of the consultation panel, the Authority shall have regard to the purpose for which the panel is established under subsection (1).
The Authority shall from time to time issue guidelines in relation to—
the functions of the consultation panel;
subject to subsection (8), the administration, proceedings and business of the panel; and
any other matter relating to the panel that the Authority considers appropriate.
A guideline issued under subsection (5) is to be made public in the manner that the Authority considers fit.
In performing its functions, the consultation panel is to have regard to any guidelines issued and published under this section.
The consultation panel is to hold at least one meeting each year and any such meeting is to be open to the public.
Subject to subsections (3) and (5), the Authority shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after the commencement of this Ordinance, prepare a development plan to—
lay out the plan area;
set apart any land within the plan area for one or more than one land use; and
show or make provision for any area that is comprised in the land set apart under paragraph (b).
Without affecting the generality of subsection (1), a development plan—
may contain any thing that a draft plan may contain under section 3 or 4 of the Town Planning Ordinance (Cap. 131); and
may provide for the grant of permission under section 16 of that Ordinance for all purposes or for any purpose.
In preparing a development plan, the Authority shall—
consult the public at such time and in such manner as it considers appropriate; and
consult the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism. (Amended L.N. 144 of 2022)
When consulted by the Authority, the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism may impose such requirements or conditions as he thinks necessary or expedient for the development of the plan area. (Amended L.N. 144 of 2022)
In preparing a development plan, the Authority shall have regard to the views received in the consultation conducted under subsection (3)(a) and ensure that—
the requirements or conditions imposed by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism (if any) under subsection (4) are satisfied; and (Amended L.N. 144 of 2022)
the development parameters and other requirements or conditions as may be specified in the SWK approved plan are, in so far as they relate to the plan area, complied with.
The Authority shall submit a development plan to the Town Planning Board for consideration under subsection (7).
Upon the submission to it of a development plan under subsection (6) or (10), the Town Planning Board shall consider the plan and may—
deem the plan as being suitable for publication;
deem the plan as being suitable for publication subject to such amendments as the Town Planning Board shall specify; or
refuse to deem the plan as being suitable for publication.
A development plan which is deemed suitable for publication under subsection (7)(a) or (b) is deemed to be a draft plan prepared by the Town Planning Board for the purposes of the Town Planning Ordinance (Cap. 131) and the provisions of that Ordinance concerning any draft plan are to apply accordingly.
Where under section 5 of the Town Planning Ordinance (Cap. 131) a development plan which is deemed to be a draft plan by virtue of subsection (8) is exhibited, such plan is, from the date that the exhibition of the plan is first notified in the Gazette, to replace any SWK draft plan or any SWK approved plan in so far as such SWK draft plan or SWK approved plan relates to the plan area.
Where the Town Planning Board refuses to deem a development plan submitted under subsection (6) as being suitable for publication, the Authority shall amend the development plan and submit it to the Town Planning Board for consideration under subsection (7).
Where a development plan which is deemed to be a draft plan by virtue of subsection (8) is approved under section 9 of the Town Planning Ordinance (Cap. 131)—
the development plan becomes an approved development plan when the approval is notified in the Gazette; and
the approved development plan is to be regarded as an approved plan for the purposes of that Ordinance.
Where under section 9 of the Town Planning Ordinance (Cap. 131), the Chief Executive in Council refuses to approve a development plan which is deemed to be a draft plan by virtue of subsection (8), such refusal is—
to be notified in the Gazette; and
to revive any SWK draft plan or any SWK approved plan which, under subsection (9), was replaced by it.
Where the Chief Executive in Council refuses to approve a development plan which is deemed to be a draft plan by virtue of subsection (8), the Authority shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after such refusal, prepare another development plan for the purposes specified in subsection (1)(a), (b) and (c), and this section, other than subsection (1), applies to that other development plan.
The resources of the Authority consist of—
all moneys paid by the Government to the Authority, whether by way of appropriation by the Legislative Council, loan or any other means;
all moneys provided by any person other than the Government to the Authority, whether by way of loan or any other means;
income received by the Authority by operating, managing or otherwise dealing with arts and cultural facilities, related facilities or ancillary facilities; and
all other moneys and property, including gifts, sponsorships, donations, interest, profits, dividends and investment income, received by the Authority.
The Authority shall—
manage its finances (including resources) with due care and diligence; and
ensure the financial sustainability of the operation and management of arts and cultural facilities, related facilities and ancillary facilities.
The Authority shall, having regard to the advice of the Investment Committee established under section 9, invest, in a financially prudent manner, the funds available for investment in such classes or descriptions of investment as the Financial Secretary may specify in writing.
For the purposes of subsection (1), the Authority may engage financial consultants or advisors under section 12(4) to manage or otherwise deal with its resources referred to in section 22(1).
The Authority may borrow from the Government, or otherwise raise, moneys as may be required for the performance of its functions on such terms and conditions as may be approved by the Financial Secretary.
Subject to subsection (3), the Authority may borrow moneys from any person other than the Government for performing its functions.
The Chief Executive may issue a direction in writing for the purposes of this section to the Authority that it is not to borrow or raise any sum (or its equivalent in a currency other than Hong Kong dollar) which exceeds an amount specified in the direction without the prior written approval of the Financial Secretary.
The Authority shall comply with a direction issued under subsection (3).
The Authority may, with the prior written approval of the Financial Secretary, charge all or any part of its property as security for the repayment of moneys borrowed or raised.
A charge referred to in subsection (5) in so far as it relates to any property of the Authority is not to be enforced, whether by order of any court or otherwise, except with the prior written approval of the Chief Executive in Council and in accordance with the terms and conditions of such approval.
The Authority may, on such terms and conditions as it considers fit, enter into any agreement or arrangement in connection with its financial affairs, including any agreement or arrangement for reducing, compensating for or hedging against any financial risk.
The Legislative Council or its Finance Committee may from time to time by resolution authorize the Financial Secretary to grant on behalf of the Government guarantees in respect of the repayment of loans made to, or the discharge of other indebtedness of, the Authority and the payment of interest, premium or other charge on the loans or indebtedness up to an amount not exceeding in total the amount that is specified in the resolution and subject to any terms and conditions specified in it.
If, pursuant to a guarantee granted under subsection (1), the Government makes a payment to a creditor of the Authority in respect of a debt secured by a charge—
the sum is to be charged and paid out of the general revenue;
the sum is repayable to the Government by the Authority, together with interest on such sum at such rate as the Financial Secretary may determine, and the Government shall as from the time of payment have the benefit of all the remedies vested in the creditor by virtue of such charge, and may exercise the rights and powers arising under the charge in its own name and without any assignment by the creditor; and
any sum received by the Government by way of repayment of a sum so paid out, or for the interest on such sum, is to be paid into the general revenue.
The Authority may—
with the prior written approval of the Financial Secretary, establish and maintain general and special reserve funds;
credit into those funds such sums as it considers fit; and
make such disbursements from those funds as are consistent with this Ordinance.
For the purposes of subsection (1)(b), the Authority shall, in accordance with the direction given by the Financial Secretary at the time when the approval is given, carry the profits (whether wholly or partly) of the Authority in any financial year to the credit of such general or special reserve funds as may be specified in the direction.
The Authority shall keep proper accounts and records of its transactions.
Subject to subsection (5), the Authority shall ensure that a statement of accounts is prepared within 3 months after the end of each financial year, or such longer period as the Financial Secretary may allow, containing—
a profit and loss account for that financial year;
a cash flow statement for that financial year; and
a balance sheet as on the last day of that financial year.
A statement of accounts referred to in subsection (2) is to give a true and fair view of—
the state of affairs of the Authority as at the end of the financial year to which the statement relates;
its profit or loss for that financial year; and
its cash flow for that financial year.
Where the Authority has any subsidiary at any time in a financial year, the statement of accounts prepared under subsection (2) for that financial year is to include the group accounts relating to the Authority and the subsidiaries, and subsection (3) is to apply accordingly.
The Authority shall ensure that the statement of accounts prepared under subsection (2) complies with—
the manner in which the statement is to be prepared;
any accounting standards; and
any other requirement,
as may be notified to the Authority in writing by the Financial Secretary.
The Authority shall, subject to subsection (2), appoint an auditor to audit the statement of accounts prepared under section 28(2).
The person appointed under subsection (1) is not to be—
a Board member;
a committee member;
an employee of the Authority;
a partnership of which any partner is a Board member or a committee member; or
a body corporate of which any director is a Board member or a committee member.
The auditor appointed under subsection (1) shall—
audit the statement of accounts prepared under section 28(2); and
submit a report on it to the Authority.
For the purposes of subsection (3), the auditor is entitled to—
have access at all reasonable times to all books of account, vouchers and other financial records that are in the custody or under the control of the Authority; and
require such information and explanations relating to those books, vouchers and records as he thinks fit.
In this section—
auditor (核數師) means a certified public accountant (practising), or a corporate practice, as defined by section 2(1) of the Accounting and Financial Reporting Council Ordinance (Cap. 588). (Replaced L.N. 66 of 2022)The Director of Audit may, in respect of any financial year of the Authority, conduct an examination into the economy, efficiency and effectiveness with which the Authority has expended its resources in performing its functions.
For the purposes of subsection (1), the Director of Audit is entitled to—
have access at all reasonable times to all books of account, vouchers, other financial records and any other property in the custody or under the control of the Authority as he may reasonably require for the purpose of conducting an examination under that subsection; and
require any person who holds or is accountable for any such document or property to provide such information and explanations as he thinks fit.
The Director of Audit may report to the President of the Legislative Council the results of an examination conducted by him under this section.
For the purposes of this Division, where the Authority has any subsidiary at any time in a financial year, the Authority shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after the end of that financial year, send to the Financial Secretary—
a copy of the report on the subsidiary’s affairs for that financial year; and
the audited statement of accounts of the subsidiary for that financial year.
The Authority shall, before the end of each financial year, send to the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism for record purpose a corporate plan of the Authority for a period of 3 years beginning on the first day of the next financial year covering in relation to that period— (Amended L.N. 144 of 2022)
a programme of activities and projects that the Authority proposes to conduct or implement;
a financial plan including the projected revenue and expenditure, any proposed investment, any proposed loan and the purpose of taking out the loan, the amount and repayment schedule involved (if any), and the staffing requirement, of the Authority.
The Authority shall send its first corporate plan to the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism as soon as reasonably practicable after the Authority is established. (Amended L.N. 144 of 2022)
The Authority shall, before the end of each financial year, send to the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism for record purpose a business plan of the Authority for the next financial year covering in relation to that year— (Amended L.N. 144 of 2022)
details of the activities and projects that are to be conducted or implemented under the corporate plan;
resources required to conduct or implement such activities and projects;
details of the financial plan including—
the estimated revenue and expenditure;
any proposed loan (including allowances for interest payments); and
the staffing requirement.
The Authority shall send its first business plan to the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism at the same time when its first corporate plan is sent under section 32(2). (Amended L.N. 144 of 2022)
The Authority shall, in respect of each financial year, prepare an annual report of the Authority for that financial year.
Without limiting the matters that the Authority may include in it, the annual report must—
specify the work and activities of the Authority for that financial year and how they relate to the Authority’s functions and the objectives specified in section 4(2);
specify the work and activities of the committees established under this Ordinance for that financial year;
include the statement of accounts prepared under section 28(2) for that financial year;
include the report submitted under section 29(3)(b) for that financial year; and
include information on how the Authority, during the financial year, conducted or implemented the activities and projects set out—
in the corporate plan sent in the previous financial year to the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism under section 32(1); and
in the business plan sent in the previous financial year to the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism under section 33(1). (Amended L.N. 144 of 2022)
The Authority shall, within 6 months after the end of each financial year, submit to the Financial Secretary the annual report prepared under section 34(1) for that financial year.
The Financial Secretary shall cause the report received under subsection (1) to be laid on the table of the Legislative Council.
(Amended L.N. 144 of 2022)
The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism may make regulations for the purpose of securing the safe operation, management or maintenance of arts and cultural facilities, related facilities or ancillary facilities. (Amended L.N. 144 of 2022)
Any regulations made under subsection (1) may—
be made to apply generally;
make different provisions for different circumstances and provide for a particular case or class of case;
be made so as to apply in such circumstances as are specified in the regulations.
The Authority may make bylaws for one or more of the following purposes—
for the regulation, operation or management of arts and cultural facilities, related facilities or ancillary facilities;
for the conduct of all persons within any premises, buildings, structures, facilities or land (including public places) which the Authority holds or manages, whether within or outside the leased area.
The following provisions apply in relation to bylaws made under subsection (1)—
any of the bylaws may provide that a contravention of any specified provision in the bylaws is an offence and may prescribe penalties not exceeding a fine at level 3;
without prejudice to any Ordinance relating to the prosecution of criminal offences or the powers of the Secretary for Justice in relation to the prosecution of criminal offences, prosecutions under any of the bylaws may be brought in the name of the Authority;
all bylaws are subject to the approval of the Legislative Council.
A Board member or a committee member shall disclose to the Authority any interest that he has which is of a class or description determined by the Authority under subsection (2)—
on his first appointment;
at the beginning of each calendar year after the appointment;
on becoming aware of the existence of an interest not previously disclosed under this subsection; and
after the occurrence of any change to an interest previously disclosed under this subsection.
The Authority may, for the purposes of this section—
determine the class or description of the interest required to be disclosed;
determine the details of the interest required to be disclosed and the manner in which such interest is to be disclosed; and
from time to time change any matter determined under paragraph (a) or (b).
The Authority shall establish and maintain a register relating to any disclosure required to be made under subsection (1) (the register) at its principal office.
Where a Board member or a committee member makes a disclosure as required by subsection (1), the Authority shall cause his name and the particulars of the disclosure to be recorded in the register, and if a further disclosure is made, the Authority shall cause particulars of the further disclosure to be recorded in the register.
For the purpose of enabling any member of the public to ascertain the particulars of any disclosure required to be made under subsection (1), the Authority shall, by such means as it considers appropriate, make available the register for inspection by the public at any reasonable time.
For the purposes of any law, all common parts within the leased area to which the public has access is a public place.
No personal liability is incurred by a Board member or a committee member in respect of anything done, or omitted to be done, by him in good faith in relation to the performance or purported performance of any function under this Ordinance (including a function purportedly delegated or sub-delegated under this Ordinance).
The Authority is exempt from taxation under the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112).
The Authority is also exempt from stamp duty under the Stamp Duty Ordinance (Cap. 117) in respect of any instrument relating to—
the conveyance of any immovable property under which the beneficial interest of the property passes by way of gift to the Authority; or
the transfer of any stock within the meaning of that Ordinance, under which the beneficial interest of the stock passes by way of gift to the Authority.
(Omitted as spent—E.R. 1 of 2021)
(Omitted as spent—E.R. 1 of 2021)
(Omitted as spent—E.R. 1 of 2021)
Subject to sections 5 and 6, any Board member (other than the Chief Executive Officer)—
where he is not a public officer, is to be appointed by the Chief Executive for a term not exceeding 3 years; and
where he is a public officer, is to hold office at the discretion of the Chief Executive.
Any Board member (other than the Chief Executive Officer) who is not a public officer holds office on such terms and conditions of appointment as the Chief Executive may from time to time determine.
Any Board member (other than the Chief Executive Officer) who is not a public officer may resign from office by giving notice in writing to the Chief Executive.
The resignation under subsection (1) takes effect on the date the Chief Executive receives the notice or the date specified in the notice (whichever is the later).
If the Chief Executive is satisfied that any Board member (other than the Chief Executive Officer) who is not a public officer is unable or unfit to perform his functions due to permanent incapacity or other sufficient cause (including any change of the status of the member by reference to which he has been appointed for the purpose of complying with section 6(3) of this Ordinance), the Chief Executive may by notice in writing remove the member from office.
If at any time the Chairman is absent from Hong Kong or the Chief Executive is satisfied that the Chairman is unable, because of temporary incapacity or otherwise, to act as the Chairman—
the Chief Executive may appoint any Vice-Chairman to act in his place; or
where all Vice-Chairmen are also absent from Hong Kong or are unable to act as Vice-Chairman for any other reason, the Chief Executive may appoint any other Board member to act in the place of the Chairman.
An appointment under subsection (1) is to continue in force until it is revoked by the Chief Executive or an appointment is made under section 6 of this Ordinance (whichever first occurs).
This section applies where the Chairman is not a public officer.
If at any time any Board member who is not a public officer (other than the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer) is absent from Hong Kong or the Chief Executive is satisfied that the member is unable, because of temporary incapacity or otherwise, to act as a Board member, the Chief Executive may appoint another person to act in place of the member.
An appointment under subsection (1) is to continue in force until it is revoked by the Chief Executive or an appointment is made under section 6 of this Ordinance (whichever first occurs).
The Chief Executive Officer holds office on such terms and conditions of appointment as the Authority may from time to time determine.
Subject to subsection (2), the Chief Executive Officer—
shall be responsible for the general management and administration of the Authority’s affairs; and
shall perform such functions as are for the time being assigned to him under this section or delegated to him under section 13(1) of this Ordinance.
The Authority may—
assign to the Chief Executive Officer any function specified by the Authority;
direct that any function assigned under paragraph (a) shall be performed by the Chief Executive Officer only in a manner, or subject to conditions or modifications, that is specified by the Authority; and
direct that a function assigned under paragraph (a) is not to be performed by the Chief Executive Officer.
An assignment or direction under subsection (2) is to remain in force for such period as is specified by the Authority at the time of the assignment or direction or, if no period is specified, until it is withdrawn by the Authority.
Where a matter relating to the terms and conditions of appointment or removal of the Chief Executive Officer is brought up for discussion or consideration in a Board meeting, he shall not—
take part in the deliberation of the Board with respect to the matter; or
vote on any question concerning it.
The Authority may, with the prior approval of the Chief Executive, remove the Chief Executive Officer.
Board meetings are to be held as often as may be necessary for the performance of the functions of the Board.
Board meetings may be convened by the Chairman, any Vice-Chairman or any other 4 Board members.
At a Board meeting—
if the Chairman is present, he is to be the chairman of the meeting;
if the Chairman is not present but more than one Vice-Chairman is present, the Board members present are to choose one Vice-Chairman to be the chairman of the meeting;
if the Chairman is not present but a Vice-Chairman is present, the Vice-Chairman is to be the chairman of the meeting; or
if neither the Chairman nor any Vice-Chairman is present, the Board members present are to choose one of them to be the chairman of the meeting.
Subject to subsection (2), the quorum for a Board meeting is not less than half of the Board members.
A quorum is not constituted unless—
2 Board members (other than the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer) who are not public officers are present; and
not less than 2 Board members (other than the Chairman) who are public officers are present.
Subject to subsection (2) and sections 9 and 15, each Board member present at a Board meeting has one vote.
In relation to any matter on which a decision is taken by vote in a Board meeting, and in the event that voting is equally divided, the chairman of the meeting has a casting vote.
Subject to section 9, where a Board member present at a Board meeting is in any way directly or indirectly interested in any contract or any other matter which is to be discussed or considered by the Board at the meeting—
he shall—
disclose at the meeting the nature of his interest (and such disclosure is to be recorded in the minutes of the meeting);
withdraw from the meeting while the contract or matter to which the disclosure relates is being discussed or considered, unless—
if he is not the chairman of the meeting, he is permitted by the chairman of the meeting to take part in such discussion or consideration; or
if he is the chairman of the meeting, two-thirds of the other Board members present at the meeting decide so to permit him; and
he shall not—
vote on any question concerning the contract or matter, unless—
if he is not the chairman of the meeting, he is permitted by the chairman of the meeting to vote on the question; or
if he is the chairman of the meeting, two-thirds of the other Board members present at the meeting decide so to permit him; or
influence or seek to influence a decision of the Board concerning the contract or matter.
The Board may from time to time issue a guideline to set out the circumstances in which a Board member is to be regarded as being directly or indirectly interested in any contract or any other matter for the purposes of subsection (1).
Where a disclosure is made under subsection (1)(a)(i) and the Board member concerned is neither required to withdraw from the relevant meeting nor permitted to vote, then for so long as the contract or matter to which the disclosure relates is being discussed or considered at such meeting, his presence is disregarded for the purpose of forming a quorum for the meeting.
Where a decision is made by the Board to enter into any contract with a Board member described in subsection (1), or with a person through whom any Board member has a direct or indirect interest in the contract, the parties to the contract are to be made public in such manner as the Board considers fit.
The validity of any proceedings of the Board is not affected by the failure of a Board member to comply with this section.
The public interest stated by a Board member who is a public officer under section 16 in respect of any matter does not, for the purposes of subsection (1), render the member interested in that matter.
Where at a Board meeting a Board member who is a public officer and is present considers that any matter which is to be or is being discussed or considered by the Board is or could be contrary to, or otherwise raises or puts in issue, or could so raise or put in issue, the public interest as perceived by him, he shall—
state to the meeting his opinion regarding the relation between the public interest, as so perceived, and the matter; and
where appropriate, state how, in his opinion, an actual or potential conflict with that interest, as so perceived, arises or could arise.
The Board may, subject to the requirements of this Ordinance, regulate its own proceedings and business relating to any Board meeting.
The corporate seal of the Authority may be affixed to a document only if it is authorized by a resolution of the Board.
The affixing of the corporate seal is to be authenticated by the signatures of any 2 Board members authorized by the Board, either generally or specially in that behalf.
Any document purporting to be a document duly executed under the corporate seal is admissible in evidence and is, unless the contrary is proved, to be deemed to be so executed.
Any contract or instrument which, if entered into or executed by a natural person, would not be required to be entered into or executed under a corporate seal may be entered into or executed on behalf of the Board by any person generally or specially authorized by the Board in that behalf.