The Home Affairs Bureau will launch a series of measures with $10 million in funds to help small and medium-sized arts groups weather the economic downturn.

Its committee on performing arts has formed an ad hoc working group to examine ways to help the arts groups.

Group convenor Ko Chi-sum said support provided to the groups includes assistance in publicising their programmes, enhancement of performance opportunities, promotion of community involvement for audience building, as well as cash relief.

The administration will arrange the reimbursement of ticket proceeds to designated arts groups in advance on a weekly basis, with the minimum amount reduced from $50,000 to $30,000.

Small and medium-sized arts groups can also defer payment of 75% of the deposit in the second instalment if they rent auditoriums, cultural activity halls and exhibition galleries in Tsuen Wan and Tuen Mun Town Halls, as well as Yuen Long Theatre.

The Leisure & Cultural Services Department will boost promotion of small and medium-sized arts groups' programmes through newspaper advertisements and the provision of free sites for venue partners to publicise their programmes.

"The department will present more programmes of the arts groups at its venues in the New Territories and other venues. A variety of projects will also be launched to enhance audience building in schools and in the community, providing more performance opportunities for the arts groups," Mr Ko said.