SCMP: Talkback The E-mail Forum

SCMP: Talkback The E-mail Forum

1 July 2009

I am a member of The Fringe Club and have organised both literary and musical events there.

The Fringe is a private not-for-profit organisation that seeks to promote the arts. The food and beverage element of the club is, I feel, an enhancement to the multi-use format of the diverse spaces within. It also generates income, without which it would be obliged to charge commercial rates for venue-hire, or operate a stringent selection policy to ensure the financial viability of participating artists.

It is to the Fringe's credit that it does neither and has thus been a vital resource for emerging talent that might struggle to get an airing elsewhere.

The intimate studios are an ideal size for experimental theatre, poetry readings and traditional arts activities and are well utilised by the entire artistic community. I believe that the renovations, (notification was given many months ago to all concerned) are required under fire-safety regulations. The club will have to close for some considerable time and will suffer the loss of a non-trivial amount of space.

I agree that the government should nurture pottery and all other art-forms. I hope that the new cultural hub will incorporate facilities that are accessible by fringe and mainstream groups alike.

The Fringe should be commended for providing a home for The Pottery Workshop for so many years, however through no fault of its own, circumstances have changed and it requires the space for the benefit of the whole artistic community.

David McKirdy, Sai Kung