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The West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA or the Authority) announced today the results of its Arts Relief Scheme 2020 (the Scheme), a time-limited response fund (Fund) amounting to approximately HK$3 million, which was initiated in April 2020 to support local artists affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fund is raised with the voluntary salary contributions of the senior executive team of the Authority, plus a generous donation from Mr Henry Tang Ying-yen, Chairman of the WKCDA Board. The Scheme received an overwhelming number of over 360 applications across various arts disciplines. After a rigorous selection process, 13 projects will be supported by the Fund, with a ceiling of HK$300,000 per project.
Mr Henry Tang Ying-yen, Chairman of the WKCDA Board, praised the indomitable passion of local artists: ‘We are thrilled to have received such an enthusiastic response. The creativity and originality of the submissions is so powerful and encouraging. In line with the Authority’s commitment, the funded projects not only contribute to arts development but also help spread positive energy and promote community spirit. We are delighted to play a small part in realising local artists’ dreams and the betterment of the city.’
The Scheme encourages engagement within the community and fosters digital transformation of creative practices. Applications cover various artforms including visual arts, cultural heritage, music, theatre, dance, xiqu, technical arts and cross-disciplinary arts. The assessment was based on the originality and creativity of the project, the number of collaborators involved and the extent to which the project can help to boost morale among the community in times of adversity. Other selection criteria involved the project implementation plan as well as the benefits brought to the development of the local arts and cultural sector.
The adjudication panel consisted of five representatives from the Authority, namely Mr Henry Tang Ying-yen, Chairman of the WKCDA Board, Mr Duncan Pescod, Chief Executive Officer, WKCDA, Dr Daisy Wang, Deputy Director, Curatorial and Programming, Hong Kong Palace Museum, Mr Doryun Chong, Deputy Director, Curatorial and Chief Curator, M+, and Ms Alison Friedman, Artistic Director, Performing Arts, WKCDA.
Successful applicants will receive the grant in three instalments starting from August 2020. The projects are expected to be completed by May 2021. For more information about the successful applicants, please refer to Arts Relief Scheme 2020 Granting Projects webpage https://www.westkowloon.hk/artsrelief2020-grantingprojects.
Appendix 1 – Arts Relief Scheme 2020 Granting Projects
Appendix 2 – Comments from Arts Relief Scheme 2020 Adjudication Panel
Remarks
About the West Kowloon Cultural District
The West Kowloon Cultural District is one of the largest and most ambitious cultural projects in the world. Its vision is to create a vibrant new cultural quarter for Hong Kong on forty hectares of reclaimed land located alongside Victoria Harbour. With a varied mix of theatres, performance spaces, and museums, the West Kowloon Cultural District will produce and host world-class exhibitions, performances and cultural events, providing twenty-three hectares of public open space, including a two-kilometre waterfront promenade.
Appendix 1 – Arts Relief Scheme 2020 Granting Projects
(According to project names in alphabetical order)
Project No. 1:
“Before and After Twenty-twenty – a One-sheet Spoiler” One-page Script Creation Project
Description:
Upheavals, pandemic, uncertainties – these can be considered portrayal of the lives of Hongkongers in 2019-2020. “Before and After Twenty-twenty” are many stories of you, me, him and her, sparking various diverse imaginations. Taking the slices of life in this period and turning them into a very short script, within the limited space in a page of A4 paper, a realm of unlimited creativity is founded.
Grantee and quote:
Class 7A Drama Group Limited
‘Grateful to the funding organisation for this opportunity to provide Hongkongers, from playwrights, directors and casts in the spotlight, to the crew in the backstage, a platform to share their thoughts about before and after 2020!’
Photo caption and credit:
Class 7A Drama Group Limited “Before and After Twenty-twenty – a One-sheet Spoiler” One-page Script Creation Project
Courtesy of the grantee
Project No. 2:
“Bite the sound!” Podcast Drama Research and Experimental Project
Description:
To research, explore and experiment on possibilities of contemporary audio drama. Activate audience’s imagination beyond prevalent entertainments, reconnecting people who have been distant during the pandemic. The project calls for stories and produces podcast dramas, and provides the free dubbing course and practice opportunities for local theatre practitioners.
Grantee and quote:
Drips Creation
‘We hope to provide an alternative platform for creative practice and development, under this stagnant atmosphere, to trigger the force of creativity and imagination, and encourage people to carry on through the difficult times with faith.’
Photo caption and credit:
“Bite the sound!” Podcast Drama Research and Experimental Project
Courtesy of the grantee
Project No. 3:
Contemporary Hong Kong Canton Porcelain
Description:
Heavily affected by the pandemic, the already declining traditional Canton porcelain industry has suffered a devastating blow. A contemporary design approach will be taken to develop Canton porcelain vessels, filling in a gap in contemporary arts. The project aims to promote innovation for this intangible cultural heritage, and bring in a steady flow of work into the industry, so as to promote the spirit of artisanship in Hong Kong.
Grantee and quote:
Mr Lam Duen Shan Ming
‘I wish to express my sincere thanks to the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority for giving me this opportunity to showcase my insights and reinterpretations on the traditional art form of Canton hand painted porcelain through deconstructionism perspectives.’
Photo caption and credit:
Contemporary Hong Kong Canton Porcelain
Courtesy of the grantee
Project No. 4:
HKwalls 2021
Description:
HKwalls is a non-profit arts organisation and annual street art festival launched in 2014 with the goal of creating opportunities for local and international artists to showcase their work in Hong Kong and abroad.
HKwalls' annual street art festival takes place each March during Hong Kong’s arts month and features 30-40 artists painting in the streets of Hong Kong. The festival's supplemental events and HKwalls' year-round programming focuses on community engagement, artists' career development and raising awareness through the arts.
Grantee and quote:
HKwalls
‘We are extremely grateful to be chosen as one of the grantees of the Arts Relief Scheme 2020. From “new norms” to economic stress, the effects of the pandemic have been challenging for everyone in Hong Kong, especially for those the in arts. But once the virus is behind us, this funding ensures we will be able to pick up where we left off, making contributions to our beloved city by creating large public art events that celebrate the city and its people.’
Photo caption and credit:
HKwalls 2017, Artist: Pixel Pancho
Courtesy of the grantee
Project No. 5:
Hong Kong Modern – Chinese Contemporary Architectural Research and Public Education Project
Description:
Using 15 post-WWII modern architectural heritages designed by Chinese architects, the programme seeks to explore their positions in the social and cultural history of Hong Kong. Besides research, exhibition, seminar, and guided tour, the programme will collaborate with artists and designers to develop the heritages into cultural products, and deepen the knowledge on these heritages amongst the general public.
Grantee and quote:
Mr Lai Chun Wai Charles
‘Public cultural programmes that focus on the works of Chinese architects was indeed a relatively rare topic in Hong Kong. Therefore, the support from West Kowloon Cultural District Authority on this programme is also a recognition for their historical value, and a delightful news for everyone who treasures historical architecture in Hong Kong.’
Photo caption and credit:
Mr Lai Chun Wai Charles
Courtesy of the grantee
Project No. 6:
Imperfectionist
Description:
The interdisciplinary research project will include talent from virtual reality, performing art, digital video, music and psychology, who will work on an entire project on digital and virtual platforms without any traditional performance and physical exhibition. The open-ended 3D game allows visitors to put oneself in someone’s shoes and to immerse themselves into the psychological landscapes of others’ minds.
Grantee and quote:
Dr Annie On Ni Wan
‘I’m humbled to be awarded and determined to turn a horrible experience into something positive. This project would eventually spread the idea that, it is perfect to be imperfect and weak especially during this difficult time. It also pays tribute to the power of individual who overcomes the hardships and advocates the community to speak up when they feel emotionally vulnerable.’
Photo caption and credit:
Telepathy Machine (2016-present) by Annie Wan
Courtesy of the grantee
Project No. 7:
IN/SIGHT
Project description:
IN/SIGHT is a mini-musical drama. The story revolves around Michelle, a visually-impaired young Hong Kong citizen who is gifted with an angelic, soothing singing voice as well as a sensitive, compassionate heart. Often mistaken as having psychic powers, Michelle offers extraordinary insight into the problems and difficulties faced by people around her.
The mini-musical drama explores the notions of crisis and fear, compassion and love and limitations and breakthrough. Through Michelle’s encounter with characters from different walks of life, the audience of this mini-series is invited to reflect upon new ways of connecting with our community, which is crucial in our post-pandemic life.
Grantee and quote:
Mr Lee Chak Man Leonard
‘I am very honoured and glad that West Kowloon Cultural District Authority’s Arts Relief Scheme 2020 is supporting IN/SIGHT! The Scheme not only provides much needed work opportunities for artists who suffer heavy economic blow, but also gives artists a chance to embark on a journey of exploration, discovery, and creation even under such dire circumstances. I hope that IN/SIGHT will sooth our community with love and music, and will continue to grow and develop in its depth and scope beyond this scheme.’
Photo caption and credit:
Mr Lee Chak Man Leonard
Courtesy of the grantee
Project No. 8:
Live@Home
Description:
Live@Home is a live streaming platform established by "Wow and Flutter" in 2017, which presents the precious and authentic sounds of Hong Kong musicians by way of live-streaming of gigs on a weekly basis, with professional audio and engineering support by Miso Tech, and has organised over 150 gigs to date.
Grantee and quote:
Wow and Flutter
‘We feel very honoured and grateful to be awarded with the project grant. It will revive "Live@Home" which was unfortunately suspended since April 2020.’
Photo caption and credit:
Wow and Flutter presents - Live@Home
Courtesy of the grantee
Project No. 9:
Show Will Go OnLine
Description:
Show Will Go OnLine is an innovative and forward-looking experimental music project, exploring the futuristic creative practices of music production under the epidemic. By unique and original online streaming live performances, the project will develop virtual content by utilising innovative spirit and prior online music production experiences. Show Will Go OnLine will continue to develop digital content by uniting more music and production practitioners, and to benefit the arts community as a whole through this experimental process.
Grantee and quote:
Music Lab Co. Ltd
‘Music Lab feels that our arts sector is undergoing a revitalising process under this global pandemic, where our conventional expectations can no longer adapt to the new normal. Thus, we feel honoured to be granted this fund and thankful that West Kowloon Cultural District Authority entrusts our future generation to take a key piece in reforming the new ecology in the coming future.’
Photo caption and credit:
Music Lab Co. Ltd
Courtesy of the grantee
Project No. 10:
“The Situation of Learning by Artist-Parents”
Description:
This is the first arts education project in Hong Kong that focuses on artists as parents. Through delivering “Instructional Art”, the participating artists explore the numerous possibilities of how parents can accompany, interact, communicate or observe their kids in artistic engagement. This project rethinks and affirms parents’ role in family education.
Grantee and quote:
Rooftop Institute
‘The Rooftop Institute has, since established, been upholding our vision of promoting artist-led education pedagogy. This pilot project signifies the launching of our endeavours in family education. We hope to build in the long run a community of parents in which they can support one another and share experiences in art education. We are glad that our efforts got recognition and support from West Kowloon Cultural District Authority.’
Photo caption and credit:
Participating artist-parents – Ms Chung Wai-ian and Mr Ng Ka-chun of MUDWORK
Courtesy of the grantee
Project No. 11:
Unusual Renaissance Festival
Description:
“Reviving lives with Arts” is the main vision of the Unusual Renaissance Festival, whilst things go different as 2020 unfolds. By encouraging the public to reflect their lives and transmute creativities through a series of interdisciplinary arts and cultural activities; bringing provocative as well as pioneering creations into community; and reshaping ways of living, the Festival will showcase prominent independent creations in Chinese-language world and from local young talent. Music, images, literature and interdisciplinary arts will be presented.
Grantee and quote:
Renaissance Foundation
‘The capricious virus has indeed impacted us. Thanks to Arts Relief Scheme 2020, many creators have the opportunity to transform their sadness into creation. We do believe the power of arts can soothe pain and help overcome this difficult time. Let our beloved home rises from the ashes soon.’
Photo caption and credit:
Mr Samuel Chai, Director General, Renaissance Foundation Hong Kong
Courtesy of the grantee
Project No. 12:
“WOW from Home” Pilot Project
Description:
“WOW from Home” Pilot Project aims to study the feasibility of transforming “participatory theatre”, “immersive theatre” and/or “documentary theatre” into online creation, rehearsal and performance under the advancement of technology and social media. The research project will investigate different aspects including online interaction with audience and public participation, explore how various online social applications (for example, online meeting and chatroom) can help extend the project development, which is the meaning and value of “participatory theatre”. Core members of the team hope to establish a model and production structure for public to participate in creation and performance.
Grantee and quote:
Mr Chung Siu Hei
‘Nothing can stop the urge of creating except the artist himself. In the time of pandemic, with the support of the Scheme, we should stay positive and well prepare the future development of art.’
Photo caption and credit:
Mr Chung Siu Hei
Courtesy of the grantee
Project No. 13:
Zansyu: Revitalising Hong Kong Beiwei
Description:
Hong Kong Beiwei Zansyu is a visual culture research and type design project, initiated by Type Designer Adonian Chan and Design Editor Ire Tsui since 2011. The initiative aims at revitalising Hong Kong Beiwei, one of the most recognisable Chinese calligraphy styles in the streets of Hong Kong, through research, type design and creative engagement. The collaborative project will adopt a digital approach to document and innovate Hong Kong Beiwei Calligraphy into a series of design deliverables. The team will include Beiwei calligraphers, experienced type designers and young creatives.
Grantee and quote:
Mr Chan Adonian Freeman
‘Chinese type design is a lengthy process. The Arts Relief Scheme would be able to foster the production foundation of Hong Kong Beiwei Zansyu type design.’
Photo caption and credit:
Zansyu: Revitalising Hong Kong Beiwei
Courtesy of the grantee
Appendix 2 – Comments from Arts Relief Scheme 2020 Adjudication Panel
Mr Duncan Pescod, Chief Executive Officer, WKCDA, was impressed by the projects: ‘The originality and creativity of submitted projects show how alive Hong Kong art scene is, and also bursting to have an opportunity to flourish. I want to thank the Chairman of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and all of my senior colleagues who have so generously made the donations that has allowed us to support so many worthwhile projects. I congratulate all of the awardees and look forward to seeing the results of their efforts.’
Dr Daisy Wang, Deputy Director, Curatorial and Programming, Hong Kong Palace Museum, emphasised art heals and changes the ways in which ones look at the world in these challenging times: ‘We received a diverse, rich and exciting pool of art project proposals. The projects that digitalise cultural heritage for preservation connect us to the history and bring us to the future. We cannot wait to collaborate and partner with these creative talent.’
Mr Doryun Chong, Deputy Director, Curatorial and Chief Curator, M+, said: ‘In this challenging time, the selected proposals commit to reflecting on and exploring from different perspectives what kind of city we want to live in, and to building and sustaining a diverse, multigenerational, and multicultural community.’
Ms Alison Friedman, Artistic Director, Performing Arts, WKCDA, was impressed with the scheme’s overwhelming response: ‘It was a difficult process to narrow down such a vast selection, I wish we could fund many more. I’m heartened by the creative energy of Hong Kong and look forward to seeing these 13 projects evolve over the next year.’
Editorial
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