Reshaping Hong Kong's Cultural Policy: A Reassessment of Pre-war Cultural Activities and Policies

This research examines Hong Kong's pre-war cultural policy and its relationship with cultural activities, challenging the prevailing view that cultural policy emerged in 1962 with the opening of Hong Kong City Hall. By reassessing the connection between cultural activities and British colonial endeavours since the establishment of Hong Kong in 1841, this study aims to shed light on how the government employed military music to promote British cultural influence, particularly through military tattoos and cultural exchanges. In addition, less recognised cultural policies implemented by the government will be discussed, including the establishment of the Botanical Gardens Pavilion in 1864, proposals for town bands and a music academy. The Hong Kong Special Reserve Police Band, as the first band led by the government, will be examined to understand its role in inter-wartime cultural policies. Furthermore, this research investigates the cultural policies enforced by the Japanese military government during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong. Through careful analysis of historical records and data, this study challenges the notion that Hong Kong's cultural policy originated in 1962, reevaluating pre-war cultural activities and policies. This study employs historical data from various sources such as literature, newspaper articles, official documents, and records to achieve these research objectives. By reconstructing the landscape of pre-war cultural activities and policies in Hong Kong, this research offers fresh interpretations and challenges existing perspectives on Hong Kong's cultural policy. This study is significant in the field of music studies as it provides new insights and understanding of the connection between pre-war cultural policies and music activities in Hong Kong. By utilising historical data and analytical methods, it expands our knowledge of music development in Hong Kong and enhances our comprehension of cultural policies.