In the beginning

This year, HKAS turns 20. It is celebrating the anniversary with an exhibition of past students' works at Hong Kong Arts Centre titled XX, curated by the school's acting director Kurt Chan. On Dec 19, the school will host an afternoon of artist talks and critique sessions.

Much like its host city, HKAS has matured in the two decades since its establishment. Connie Lam Suk-yee, HKAC's executive director, explains that since its inception in the late 1970s its board knew that it needed an educational element. In the late 1990s, HKAC entered an agreement with Melbourne's RMIT University to offer Hong Kong's first part-time fine art degree.

"At the time, many parents were against their children studying art," Lam notes. "The existing schools accepted few mature students. Our program targeted mature students already with degrees. We offered short courses and diplomas, as well as bachelor and master's degrees. Our first cohort had 60 students, mostly mature ones. Our campus was here at HKAC with sea views from every room."