Hong Kong’s Leisure & Cultural Services Department is set to transform the city’s performance landscape with comprehensive venue reforms announced on June 26, 2025. These strategic changes aim to revitalize arts spaces, create more opportunities for performing arts groups, and establish clearer identities for key cultural venues.

The Hong Kong Coliseum will undergo a significant shift in its programming focus. Historically prioritizing sports events, the venue will now center on concerts, signaling a deliberate move to stimulate the city’s concert economy. This repositioning promises more performance slots for concert organizers, potentially breathing new life into Hong Kong’s live music scene.

A major highlight of the reforms is the East Kowloon Cultural Centre, which is expected to become fully operational by the end of 2025. This new venue is poised to be a technological marvel, equipped with advanced multimedia capabilities and positioned as the city’s premier destination for long-running performances and arts technology. Performing arts groups and audiences can anticipate special booking arrangements, which will be detailed in July.

Another notable transformation involves the Sha Tin Town Hall Auditorium, which will now prioritize Cantonese opera. Professional troupes meeting specific criteria will be eligible for special year-round bookings, providing unprecedented stability and opportunity for traditional performing arts groups. Like the East Kowloon Cultural Centre, detailed booking arrangements will be announced in July.

The reforms extend beyond venue-specific changes through an enhanced Venue Partnership Scheme. Set to run for three years starting April 1, 2026, the sixth round of this initiative has ambitious objectives. These include expanding performance opportunities, deepening partnerships between venues and performing arts groups, strengthening venue identities, and broadening audience engagement.

Local performing arts organizations interested in participating in the Venue Partnership Scheme can submit proposals by 5:30 PM on August 20, 2025. The Invitation for Proposals document is accessible at Sha Tin Town Hall and Sheung Wan Civic Centre, with online download options also available.

To support potential applicants, two briefing sessions will be conducted in Cantonese at the Cultural Centre. These informative sessions are scheduled for 10:30 AM on July 4 and 11:30 AM on July 14, providing an opportunity for arts groups to gain insights into the new scheme and its requirements.

These comprehensive reforms represent a significant commitment to nurturing Hong Kong’s performing arts ecosystem. By creating more performance slots, supporting diverse art forms, and establishing clearer venue identities, the Leisure & Cultural Services Department is demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to cultural development.

Performing arts groups and cultural enthusiasts can find more information and submit proposals, with inquiries welcomed at the dedicated contact number 2450 5692. As these changes unfold, Hong Kong’s cultural landscape appears set for an exciting and dynamic transformation.