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“To achieve something before 30 years old.” |
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By Vincent Li |
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“29s” is a union formed by nine 20- year-old people who are interestedin writing, drawing and other artforms. They share a common goal: to achieve something before the age of 30. It accounts for the extraordinary name, 29s. Ah-Chor, one of the members of 29s, attributed the formation of the group to the assistance of Chan Sheung Kee Book Company Limited. Chan Sheung Kee was founded over 50 years ago. However, the long history casts a traditional impression on the company. In order to refresh and reposition the company, Chan Sheung Kee came up with the idea of giving assistance to young and potential authors. 29s was then established in spring 2003. Offering not only financial support, Chan Sheung Kee also offered 29s a high degree of freedom for its creative work. “Chan Sheung Kee gave birth to 29s and helped us a lot, especially at the very beginning,” Ah-Chor said. Ah-Chor is a full time teacher. She likes writing but before the establishment of 29s, she could only publish her work on the Internet. She said, “29s provides us a free and unbounded platform. We can share our feelings and try to blossom our talents through various kinds of 29s's publications and exhibitions. It also promotes a sense of togetherness among us.” Chihoi, another 29s member who is an illustrator and publishes comics, pointed out that Chan Sheung Kee also introduced them to a wider network to sell their books. More importantly, Chan Sheung Kee let more people become familiar with 29s. Despite the help of Chan Sheung Kee, 29s members still had to encounter many problems when they began their publications. And more and more questions are arising now. Chihoi said, “We just had to be interviewed and to publish our work during the infant period. However, we have to consider a lot of complicated stuff now. “We are gradually getting aware of the importance of comprehensive planning and good relationships with the media. It's not simply publishing a novel or gallery anymore.” Kong Khong Chang, also a 29s members, whose nickname is “Kongkee”, explained the difficulties further. “For instance, we have to decide where to sell the books. There are many kinds of bookstores in Hong Kong . We also need to consider if there should be any changes to our style whenever we start a new publication,” he said. Before 29s was founded, Kongkee succeeded in publishing his work with the financial grants offered by Hong Kong Art Development Council. He said, “The scheme is very helpful to small organizations and it can help one get rid of the financial problem in publishing a book. But there is nothing more than that. One can hardly go further because the sustenance is uneasy.” More than the subsidy, to the members of 29s, the greatest merit of 29s is the companionship and interactions among them. Ah-Chor said, “Meeting people who have similar interests and the feeling of companionship is invaluable and irreplaceable. 29s is my ‘spiritual home', in which my words in book s and poems are understood. It allows me to amplify my belief.” Yuen Siu Cheong, nicknamed “Ah-Cheong”, is an editor and a 29s member as well. He regards 29s as a blessing that enlarges his social circle. “Through discussions and gatherings, we discover our own strengths and shortcomings. We have also established mutual trust and built up friendship,” he said. If 29s was not here, Ah-Chor believes that it would be a defect in her life. But she said that she would not shift to be a full time writer. She said, “I can't imagine what would happen if I do so. I really like my current occupation as a teacher. I can manage both teaching and writing. Why should I have any changes?” Kongkee said, “People are interested in why we are spending plenty of time and energy on a non-profitable business. I am doubtful why people like to evaluate the success of publishing with money.” Actually, all 29s members have their full time occupations. Therefore, activities and functions of 29s do undermine their leisure time. During 24 th November to 26 th December, 2004 , 29s ran an exhibition upon the request of a famous Japan brand MUJI. MUJI furniture and accessories marked with 29's artwork were shown. The preparation for such a big exhibition, undoubtedly, took a very long time. “Although doing an exhibition is hard, it does help our publicity, “Publishing a book is quite passive because no one knows what the content is before the reader opens it. But exhibitions can do more to attract people to participate,” Chihoi said. All of them agreed that they are now seeking the role 29s should play in the cultural circle. “We have been doing what we desire to do though we don't have much power or money. It is a ‘cheap hope'. Unexpectedly, feedback from many readers tells us that 29s motivates them to go ahead toward their dream. It's amazing that our ‘cheap hope' has affected others,” said Ah-Chor, smiling. |
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