The Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau made an announcement on Saturday about changes to the Mega Arts and Cultural Events fund. Starting next year, applications will be accepted three times a year on a fixed cycle. This change is aimed at improving the effectiveness of the fund in developing the arts sector and promoting tourism.
In addition to the fixed application cycle, a matching grant will be introduced to incentivize organizers to seek commercial funding for their events. The government will also be evaluating the effectiveness of events based on their integration with tourism. This means that applicants will need to demonstrate how their events can contribute to boosting tourism and the economy.
Each round of funding will support a maximum of four events, with a goal of supporting up to 10 projects each year. Since its establishment in April last year, the fund has sponsored a total of 20 large-scale arts and cultural events.
These changes to the Mega Arts and Cultural Events fund are expected to provide a more structured and strategic approach to supporting the arts sector and promoting tourism. By encouraging collaboration with commercial partners and emphasizing the importance of tourism integration, the government aims to maximize the impact of funded events on the local economy and cultural scene.
It is hoped that these changes will not only benefit event organizers and participants but also attract more visitors to the region, boosting the overall appeal of the arts and cultural scene in the area. The increased frequency of applications and the introduction of a matching grant are positive steps towards achieving these goals and ensuring the continued growth and success of the arts sector.
