The development of cultural entrepreneurship: Case studies of four community orchestras in Hong Kong

Purpose – The aim of the study is to examine the development of four not-for-profit Chinese orchestras in Hong Kong, aiming to identify their key characteristics in management and operational practices, and highlight a probable proposal on how the concept of cultural entrepreneurship could be brought about for the growth of an orchestra. Design/methodology/approach – This study looks into the cases of the development of four not-for-profit community Chinese orchestras in Hong Kong in accordance to the theoretical framework built on the reviewed literature. A self-assessment questionnaire survey was conducted among the key leaders in the orchestras, asking them to evaluate themselves about their features as a cultural entrepreneur, and the extent of the development of the orchestras towards entrepreneurship. The survey serves as preliminary reference data for follow-up phone interviews, with questions asked in accordance to the results of the survey. Findings – The study shows that the four leaders of the Chinese orchestras have different qualities of a cultural entrepreneur. The four orchestras use different strategies to promote Chinese music, and adopt diversified approaches to survive. Four models of community orchestra having different features are identified, namely new generation model, affiliation-based model, mentor-mentee model, and developmental model. The findings suggest that community orchestras have limitations to the development of cultural entrepreneurship in Hong Kong, and they need the support of the right person and policy to grow and foster. Originality/value – The results inform and give insights to cultural entrepreneur-to-bes and practitioners in the cultural industries as well as policy makers on some of the probable innovations employed by not-for-profit community performing groups. Copyright © 2013 Emerald Group Publishing Limited.