The Social Welfare Department (SWD) announced today (June 20) that the fourth batch of the Arts Development Fund for Persons with Disabilities (Arts Fund) is open for applications from eligible organisations starting from today. Non-profit-making organisations granted tax exemption status under section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112), with at least two years of experience in organising structured arts activities or training programmes for persons with disabilities (PWDs) may submit applications.  
 
     The Government has endeavored to promote the participation of PWDs in recreational, sports and cultural arts activities and provide them with appropriate activities and facilities, with a view to giving them opportunities to develop their potential and enhance their quality of life, as well as encouraging their participation in group activities and full integration into the community.
 
     Following the Chief Executive's announcement in her 2017 Policy Address to establish the Arts Fund managed by the SWD, the Secretariat to the Arts Fund was set up in March 2019. The Government has also earmarked $250 million as the capital of the Arts Fund to provide funding support to arts programmes and activities for the PWDs. There are two tiers for the grants: Tier One projects include the provision of elementary and continuing arts programmes that enhance the arts knowledge of PWDs, foster their interests in arts and develop their potential, while Tier Two projects aim to provide funding support to applicant organisations for organising relatively larger-scale, impactful and sustainable projects which assist individual PWDs with great artistic potential to pursue their career in performing, visual or creative arts, and enable them to strive for excellence.
 
     The fourth batch of the Arts Fund is open for applications today. The deadline for submission is August 31. Interested organisations may visit the SWD website (www.swd.gov.hk/en/index/site_pubsvc/page_supportser/sub_adfpd/) for more details and download the latest application form of the Arts Fund or complete the electronic application form.

Ends/Monday, June 20, 2022
Issued at HKT 11:00

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