Periscope

Art education

Hiccups on the way

By Kenix Wong

Education is the ultimate solution to cultivate motiva-tion in youth. However, the present art education in Hong Kong is far from satisfactory in many ways.

According to Mr. Chan Hei Chuen, an art teacher of Tai Po Old Market Public School (Plover Clove), qualified and capable art teachers are inadequate. Art teachers are not required to receive specific training in art.

“In many primary schools, teachers of main subjects teach art at the same time, and they are allowed to convert art lessons into other lessons.”

Many potential teachers, like the students of the Hong Kong Institute of Education, do not consider art as their major. Mr. Chan explained that when the students decide their concentration, they usually consider their prospects. Since qualified art teachers are not desired in the market, they are unlikely to study art education.

Another deficiency in the present art education system in Hong Kong , as commented by Mr. Chan, is that the Education and Manpower Bureau has given no guidance on art education curriculum.

Mr. Chan pointed out that due to the insufficient fund for necessary equipments, many schools fail to develop art education properly. “Even if the government provides schools with financial assistance, the fund is used for the construction of new buildings other than art facilities.”

On the other hand, he said that most parents are influenced by the exam-oriented education system. They seldom encourage their children to devote time to art. Very often, parents thought that performing art such as music is relatively more popular than visual arts like drawing and calligraphy.

“They do not mind their children practicing musical instruments because their children can earn money by teaching others,” said Mr Chan.

Professor Mok Kar-Leung, of the Department of Fine Arts at The Chinese University of Hong Kong pointed out that the materialistic mind of Hong Kong people also lead to the public ignorance of art.

Mr. Alexander Hui Yat Chuen, an education curator of the University Museum and Art Gallery of the University of Hong Kong , commented that the present unsatisfactory art education in Hong Kong is also due to the rigid education system.

He explained that most of the resources are put on equipping students to get high marks in the exams. He criticized that the art education system in Hong Kong is not developed in a comprehensive way.

“There is only one professional performing arts school here, that is the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. However, we still do not have a visual arts institution.”

Unlike other primary schools, Tai Po Old Market Public School has devised systematic art courses to enhance students' understanding of art. Each student is required to learn one aspect of art disciplines.

Apart from this, students can learn art through lessons and extra-curricular activities. For instance, there are visual arts courses on ceramic, sculpture and calligraphy.

Dancing, drama and musical instrument classes are included as performing arts programs.

Mr. Chan explained, “We provide students with manifold art courses because students have different interests.

“Our school hires art practitioners to teach some special courses. We also provide good facilities for art education.”

The school organizes a number of exhibitions every year and presents prizes to students who have brilliant performance in art.

“We can see that students enjoy art very much. They actively participate in exhibitions that showcase their works,” said Mr. Chan.

Besides, Tai Po Old Market Public School also makes effort to enhance students' capability of art appreciation.

“We introduce some basic knowledge to students before we ask them to start creating their work,” said Mr. Chan.

Artworks produced by students of Tai Po Old Market Public School (Plover Clove) Courtesy of Mr. Chan Hei Chuen

Exhibitions of students' works boost their interest in art
Courtesy of Mr. Chan Hei Chuen

The Value of Art

By Kenix Wong

In the mission statement of the Fringe Club, a non-profit art organization aiming at promoting art and culture in Hong Kong, it states that art is crucial because it plays a central role in the formation of a culturally diverse, open and vibrant society.

At the individual level, Mr. Chan Hei Chuen, a visual art teacher in Tai Po Old Market Public School in Plover Cove, commented that not only can art enable people to appreciate the world.

Children certainly become more aware of the beauty around them, when they are brought up in an artistic environment.

Mr. Chan suggested that art is also a channel to help people get away from their daily pressure.

Said he: “For students, art can relieve them from the pressure of numerous examinations.”

He also added that art is especially vital to help develop Hong Kong into a knowledge-based society.

“Nowadays, the society no longer needs people who are only capable of imitating others. Instead, we need creative talent, and art no doubt can foster creativity.”

The Fringe Club