The closure of Music Zone, one of Hong Kong's few medium-sized live houses, has left a significant void in the local indie music scene. Established in 2012, Music Zone quickly gained popularity for hosting local and overseas indie bands. The venue's closure is expected to have a lasting impact on the future of music events in Hong Kong, with fewer gigs featuring less famous international artists predicted. Over the course of its 12-year history, Music Zone hosted more than 740 music shows, including performances by now-famous artists. The closure of Music Zone not only leaves a gap in the local indie scene but also poses a challenge for medium-sized gig organizers, as there are few alternatives in terms of size and affordability. The venue was known for its affordability and inclusivity, making it a preferred choice for organizers and musicians alike. The closure of Music Zone marks the end of an era and leaves a shared memory in the local indie music scene [ea211623].
The closure of Music Zone adds to the growing concerns over the challenges faced by the cultural sector in Hong Kong. The closure of Mount Zero, an independent bookstore, and the ongoing pressure faced by bookstores in the city highlight the threats to freedom of expression and artistic freedoms. The imposition of a national security law in 2020 has led to increased government inspections and anonymous complaints against independent bookstores. Critics fear that these measures will further curtail freedom of expression and artistic freedoms in Hong Kong [9804a236].
The Hong Kong government has also received 50 reports from the public regarding suspected 'objectionable content' at government libraries. The reports were submitted through a new mechanism launched in July, aimed at reviewing library materials for objectionable content, including content that breaches the law or endangers national security. This mechanism was introduced following the advice of the Audit Commission to ensure compliance with the Beijing-imposed security legislation. Around 40% of political books and recordings have been removed from public libraries since 2020, raising concerns about censorship and the impact on access to information [28667b31].
In a different context, concerns have been raised about the London Library's recent emails, which some feel are becoming increasingly political and not in line with the library's purpose. The discussion surrounding the library's emails highlights the importance of maintaining neutrality and focusing on the core role of a lending library [ab54ebe3].
The closure of Music Zone in Hong Kong's indie music scene adds to the challenges faced by the cultural sector in the city. It raises concerns about the impact on music events and the future of the local indie scene. The closure of Music Zone, along with the closure of Mount Zero and the pressure faced by bookstores, highlights the threats to freedom of expression and artistic freedoms in Hong Kong [ea211623] [9804a236].
High Dive, a popular music venue in Gainesville, Florida, is also closing its doors after 13 years. The owner cites redevelopment in the area as the reason for the closure. The final show, featuring the band 'The Hails', took place on Sunday. Shows that were scheduled after the closure will be moved to Loosey's in Downtown Gainesville. The closure is seen as a loss for staff and music lovers, with one resident describing it as devastating. The venue has been a popular spot for shows and has hosted the southeast's largest punk fest. The owner currently has no plans to relocate the venue [7a1de395].
The Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre (KITEC) in Hong Kong will close on June 30. The closure follows a HK$10 billion purchase by a consortium led by Billion Development and Project Management in 2021. E-max, a mall within KITEC, has notified commercial tenants of the closure. The site will be reconstructed into three commercial buildings with industrial exhibition space, commercial facilities, and engineering facilities. KITEC, built in 1995 and originally owned by Hopewell Holdings, is a 1.76 million square foot events and office space that has hosted concerts, conferences, exhibitions, and business events. One of KITEC's tenants, Music Zone, closed in March, which was one of the city's few medium-sized music venues. Several events are still planned for May at KITEC, including a gig by Cantopop band Mirror [6e9efa18].
In addition to the challenges faced by the music and bookstore scenes, Hong Kong is also home to a vibrant zine scene. Hong Kong Free Press recently delved into Hong Kong's zine scene, exploring the design, publication, and cultural impact of niche publications. The series covers the history, people behind the zines, and their colorful and evocative visuals. The first part features zine artist Forrest Lau, who finds inspiration from island life [e8f5a0cf].