AusLeisure

Months of recent protests in Hong Kong have had a significant impact on the Chinese Special Administrative Region's Leisure and Cultural Services Department, with frequent closures of facilities.

Notices on the website of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) over recent months frequently refer to the protests as "special circumstances which may possibly happen nearby", with venues then closed for the day, or closing early.

Venues impacted have included the Hong Kong Museum of History, the Hong Kong Science Museum, the Hong Kong Space Museum, the Hong Kong Museum of Art, Sha Tin Town Hall, Sha Tin Jockey Club Swimming Pool, Yuen Wo Road Sports Centre and Sha Tin Jockey Club Public Squash Courts and the Tsuen Wan Town Hall.

In August, thousands of Hong Kong's civil servants, including many from the city’s state-backed and affiliated arts and cultural institutions, joined protests in Hong Kong's Chater Garden, taking part despite an official warning.

Hundreds of cultural workers also signed letters supporting Hong Kong’s protests, which began in early June, using pictures of their civil service staff badges but with identifying personal details covered with post-it notes.

In July, the Hong Kong Artists Union called for “civil servants of LCSD museums and affiliated organisations, including but not limited to the West Kowloon Cultural District, Arts Development Council and members of the nine major performing arts groups, to respond to Hong Kong people’s call to participate in the city-wide strike on 5 Aug 2019, to close or suspend services at museums and art spaces, so as to allow for staffs and artists to participate should they wish.”

A notice from yesterday (1st December) relating to the cultural attractions advised "subject to the situation, more cultural and leisure facilities in the same district and any other districts which may be affected will also be closed early and at short notice to ensure the safety of venue users."

Related Articles

13th September 2019 - Protests lead to postponement of Hong Kong Open WTA Tour event

28th August 2019 - Hong Kong trade exhibitions and conferences continue largely unaffected by protests

9th August 2019 - Protests impact Hong Kong tourism

9th July 2019 - Second arts venue opens in West Kowloon Cultural District

5th May 2019 - Populous sees Kai Tak Sports Park plan as setting a new multipurpose sport precinct benchmark

20th August 2018 - Hong Kong leisure projects hit by building delays

21st July 2018 - Lifeguard shortage leads to closure of one in three Hong Kong aquatic centres

9th March 2018 - Free entry initiative sees record attendance at Hong Kong museums

11th January 2017 - New Hong Kong Museum to showcase China’s Imperial relics

17th October 2016 - M+ Pavilion opening marks the first permanent art venue in the West Kowloon Cultural District

4th August 2016 - Hong Kong Government urged to improve water quality monitoring in public pools

12th November 2014 - Hong Kong Stadium playing surface to be rebuilt next year

14th March 2013 - Hong Kong Museum of Art Andy Warhol exhibition greets 200,000th visitor

6th January 2010 - Hong Kong to Promote Community-wide Sport Participation

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