Creative Citizens Project

The project was led by Prof. Selina Ho, with the support of Early Career Scheme Fund, in collaboration with the Diocesan Pastoral Centre for Workers – Ethnic Minority Service, artist Nanxi Liu, and the Chamber of Young Snow Art Exhibition Hall.

About the Project

Creative Citizens Project is grounded in the belief that students are citizens of the city here and now, with the right and responsibility to participate in the civic and cultural life of Hong Kong. It aims to inspire students to think and act creatively about their role as creative citizens.

In this project, through the new special topic course on VIS3399 Creative Citizens Project, students learned the theory and practice of creative citizenship, the role of creative professionals and their impacts on civic engagement and community development. In addition, students participated in an experimental programme to develop their creative citizen projects. In collaboration with the community partner, the Diocesan Pastoral Centre for Workers – Ethnic Minority Service, the programme motivated students to explore and research civic issues, with focus on Southeast Asian minority groups in Hong Kong. They took fieldtrips to neighborhood places and held frequent meetings and workshops with Nepalese women and their family members. Finally, they collaborated on a series of artworks with a group of Nepalese women from the community partner. The pieces, in form of paintings, zines, postcards, sound work, and installation art, explore the cultural experiences and collective memories of the Nepalese community residing in Hong Kong.

Finally, students of the course FVA 4010 Curating Art Exhibition curated an exhibition to display the artworks, at the Art Gallery of Lingnan University, in collaboration with students from VIS3399 Creative Citizens Project. On the opening day, the participating Nepalese women and their families went to the exhibition. The Chamber of Young Snow Art display Hall hosted a creative workshop and provided a tour of their art display. The participating women created a series of collages by using the Hall’s exhibits as a source of inspiration and creativity. Their work was also featured in the exhibition.

Home Away From Home

This exhibition explores the cultural and living experiences, and collective memories of the Nepalese community residing in Hong Kong. The exhibition explores how the Nepalese identify Hong Kong as their home, through the works created by the students of the course, ‘VIS 3398G Creative Citizens Project’.

Through paintings, zines, postcards, sound work, and interactive art, the student artists explore the connections forged between Hong Kong and the Nepalese people. Ten artworks on display reflect their encounters and interpretations of the Nepalese experience in Hong Kong. In a home-like environment, visitors are invited to embrace the vibrant tapestry of Nepalese culture, celebrate a shared humanity, and explore the meanings of cultural diversity.

Curated by:

Chan Hei Man, Liu Ka Ki, So Pui Ka, Chan Ka Hin, Ng Ka Yi, Emily, Ko Shuen, Lee Yan Tung

Participating artists:

Lin Xiaoding & Jiang Jiaying; Ko Julie; SIU Nicky; Zeng Hong Li & Ma Yuk Kwan & Mak On Ting & Wong Hoi Lam; Lai Zi Han & Heung Nasser Nicavera & Usman Haris & PAN Wenjing & Allen Sato Ben & Ricker Rebecca Elisabeth; Hui Tsz Ki & Leung Hei Tung Artemis; Usman Haris & Heung Nasser Nicaver; Tsoi Hiu Yi ; Tse Wing Yi; Chan Ching Hin

The Exhibition

The entire exhibition is called “Home Away from Home (मातृभूमि)”. The title reflects on the places where we feel as our home. The first word, "Home," represents Hong Kong, and the second, "Nepal." The display depicts how the Nepalese see Hong Kong as their home. The public display emphasizes their cultural representation and participation, as well as their creative capabilities in practicing citizenship.

Overall, the project encouraged both students and community members to explore their creative potential and the ways they can use their knowledge and skill to make a positive impact on the world around them. It helped to develop civic education, community connection, creative learning, citizen engagement and social well-being.

Project acknowledgement: Diocesan Pastoral Centre for Workers – Ethnic Minority Service (including participating Nepalese), artist Nanxi Liu, and the Chamber of Young Snow Art Exhibition Hall.