New creative market to be launched in September

It'll replace the Arts & Crafts Fair.

According to a report, the Leisure & Cultural Services Department has made proposals to help existing Arts & Crafts Fair stall operators at the Cultural Centre adjust to new arrangements, before a new scheme is implemented.

The new “Creative Market in Partnership@HKCC" will be launched in September, replacing the Arts & Crafts Fair that began in 2001.

Non-profit organisations including Po Leung Kuk, the Boys' & Girls' Clubs Association, Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, Fotanian, Make a Difference, and the Mental Health Association will take charge of organising creative activities.

The department expects the new scheme will greatly increase participation, reversing a steadily downward trend over the past few years.

To help existing stall operators with the transition, the eight current arts services stalls will operate on Sundays and weekdays for another half year from August 1, while the 23 handicraft stalls will be open on Sundays until the new scheme begins.

Normal operations for existing stalls will be completed with the end of this year's fair, by the end of July.

In the meantime, the department will continue to communicate with the operators’ alliance.