Arts in education

 

 

Money colourfully spent

 

As a student at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Alice takes considerable time getting ready for some classes.

First, she must spend up to two and a half hours in front of a mirror, applying elaborate makeup. Next comes the task of putting on the multiple layers of robes that form the colourful General's costume. Finally, Alice dons a heavy headdress. It is all part of studying in the Academy's Cantonese Opera diploma programme.

To encourage the preservation and revival of this complex and visually stunning style of opera, the Foundation donated more than HK$1million to fund the acquisition of more than 300 costumes, 350 headdresses and 800-plus accessories. All of the items in the Wayfoong Cantonese Opera Costumes Collection were tailor-made for the Academy.

The Foundation also funds two scholarships for Cantonese Opera studies at the Academy.

Creativity in the classroom

 

For Chung-him, a student at Red Cross J F Kennedy School, it is an opportunity to depict himself free from his wheelchair. For other students in schools across Hong Kong, it is an opportunity to be exposed to new and varied forms of art, including drama, painting, sculpture, music and multi-media.

To help promote creativity and lateral thinking in young people, the Foundation funds a series of pilot programmes that integrate arts with school curriculum. Through direct contact with professional artists, students also have the opportunity to enhance their creativity, imagination and self-confidence.

The Foundation's partners in the programme include the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, the Arts Development Council, the Hong Kong Institute of Education and the Education and Manpower Bureau of the Government of Hong Kong.