Culture and Creative Productions for Our Time

The series of workshops organised under the overarching theme “Cultural Challenge in Hong Kong” for the Innovative Project Competition 2026 concluded with the final workshop titled “Culture and Creative Productions for Our Time”.

Dr Stephanie Cheung, lead curator of Make a Difference (MaD), opened the seminar by setting the context of her talk with a striking image designed to stimulate participants’ thoughts. The photo, taken before construction of the West Kowloon Cultural District, illustrated the vision of MaD and fellow art and cultural practitioners for bottom-up ownership of local culture.

Following her discussion on creative envisioning for the city, Dr Cheung shifted the focus to the “Ceramics for Care” project, whose last edition ran from 2023 to 2025. This initiative combines art and social work, targeting mothers from low-income households, cleaning workers, the elderly affected by redevelopment, individuals with dementia, those experiencing frailty or social isolation, wheelchair users, and their caregivers. The project provides a platform for participants to connect with the community and facilitates mutual support, enhancing personal well-being.

The project “Small Small World Panorama” was an interactive exhibition where visitors could discover diversity and coexistence in art and life through play. The exhibition featured imaginative creatures made by children from diverse backgrounds, presented to visitors in an inclusive set.

“Farmside Club” creates space for neurodivergent children and the family to grow in their own pace. Other members of the community also took part in farming activities to explore the connections between nature and people, and reflect on the question of urban-rural development.

Lastly, the seminar concluded with four BA-CCI students sharing their experiences interning for Hong Kong House at the Echigo Tsumari Art Field in Japan. The students offered invaluable insights and reflections to the audience.