The Hong Kong Arts Development Council (ADC) organised the first Arts Ambassadors-in-School Scheme to commend students from local primary, secondary and special schools who have demonstrated excellence in and commitment to the arts. A total of 500 students were appointed as arts ambassadors.
A recognition ceremony, co-organised by the ADC and Solar Project 2009 of the Radio Television Hong Kong Radio 2, was held on 5 July at Queen Elizabeth Stadium to praise the efforts of the student arts ambassadors.
The ceremony was officiated by Mr Tsang Tak-sing, Secretary for Home Affairs and ADC's Chairman Mr Ma Fung-kwok.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Ma Fung-kwok said the Scheme aims to encourage students’ participation in and promotion of arts, "the ambassadors can widen their exposure by participating in different arts activities which allow them to share their invaluable experience with others, encouraging more friends and schoolmates to engage in arts activities. Resembling the butterfly icon of the Scheme which symbolises growth and mutation, I hope the ambassadors will continue to engage in arts in their everyday lives."
Mr Tsang Tak-sing also expressed his support for the Scheme, "I wish the ambassadors will create the synergy which will contribute to the long-term development of the arts and culture in Hong Kong. I look forward to the expansion of the Scheme to nurture more and more young artists in Hong Kong."
The officiating guests inaugurated the ceremony decorated with colourful butterflies. Designed by renowned designer Mr Kan Tai-keung, the butterfly icon of the Scheme symbolises the diversity of arts. Other officiating guests include Mr Ko Tin-lung, Chairman of Arts Promotion Committee of ADC; Ms Emily Mok Fung-yee, ADC's Council Member; and Mr Tai Keen-man, Acting Deputy Director of Broadcasting. The arts ambassadors then staged a number of performances with artists to demonstrate their art talents.
Renowned pianist Ms Colleen Lee (recipient of Award for Young Artist of the Hong Kong Arts Development Awards 2008) played a classic concerto piece with Leung Yat-hei from HHCKLA Buddhist Po Kwong School. Mr Ng Sum-chun and Ms Lam Wai-yi, Hong Kong representatives of the 2009 East Asian Games, staged a Latin dance performance with Chan Kwun-lung from Christian Alliance S Y Yeh Memorial Primary School and Heung Wing-yan from Kwong Ming Ying Loi School. Guided by veteran Cantonese opera practitioner Mr Mo Yu-tin, two ambassadors Lo Hoi-yin from TWGHs Lui Yun Choy Memorial College and Ma Hoi-yau from St Paul's Secondary School staged a traditional Cantonese opera performance on scene "Fragrant Death" from classics Princess Changping.
There were also two interactive performances engaging the ambassadors. Percussion master Prof Lung Heung-wing led the ambassadors and guests to participate in an exciting body percussion performance. A Cappella singing performance was led by Mr Fung Kwok-tung (member of A Cappella group the Gay Singers) and Joyous which engaged the ambassadors to sing in different parts. Singer Ms Kay Tse also collaborated with some 20 arts ambassadors in a choral singing performance.
The ceremony came to a finale with a declaration ceremony by 500 arts ambassadors. Led by the officiating guests, the ambassadors demonstrated a slogan showing their commitment to the arts and to share the joy of arts with others. Each arts ambassador will receive a $500 scholarship, a certificate of commendation and an arts ambassador badge as appreciation of their efforts.
The ADC launched the first Arts Ambassadors-in-School Scheme last November to encourage Hong Kong students to actively participate in arts activities and to share the fun of arts, ultimately taking their passion for the arts beyond campuses into the larger community.
The response of the Scheme is overwhelming with 500 students from different primary, secondary and special schools enrolled as arts ambassadors. Over the past few months, they have participated in arts activities including creative arts workshops and sharing of arts experience in radio programme and newspapers. A scheme website was established serving as a platform of sharing among the ambassadors where they can upload their creative works and establish their own blogs.
During the summer vacation, the arts ambassadors will participate in various arts activities. "Theatre Magic" co-organised by the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts will introduce the backstage facilities of theatre productions. "Dialogue with Arts Maestros" will invite renowned artists such as percussion master Prof Lung Heung-wing, pianist Ms Colleen Lee, dance practitioner Mr Daniel Yeung Chun-kong and visual artist Mr Kacey Wong to share their lives and experiences as artists with the students.
For ambassadors' listing and details of the Scheme, please visit the website.
Appendix: Participating Organisations
Co-organiser
Radio Television Hong Kong Radio 2
The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
Media Partner
Young Post of South China Morning Post
Ming teens' of Ming Pao
Smarties' of Ming Pao
Outdoor Media Partner
POAD
Supporting Organisation
Education Bureau
Leisure and Cultural Services Department
Hong Kong Education City
Chung Ying Theatre Company
City Contemporary Dance Company
Hong Kong Institute of Aesthetic Education
Kowloon Region School Heads Association
Union of Government Primary School Headmasters and Headmistresses
Association of Principals of Government Secondary Schools
Subsidized Primary Schools Council
Hong Kong Subsidized Secondary Schools Council
Hong Kong Island School Heads Association
Hong Kong Special Schools Council
Hong Kong Aided Primary School Heads Association
New Territories School Heads Association