From left to right: Re-stART Project Member; Sukhmani Sethi, Project Partner; Elissa Rosati, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA); Theresa Kwong, Hong Kong Arts Centre
British Council, Hong Kong
The British Council is celebrating the work from their pioneering programme, Re-stART, which is making positive change for young people in Hong Kong.
The programme was delivered outside the formal education system, bringing together small groups of young people to train in filmmaking through local community groups. The young participants worked with a range of professionals to create and produce the original short films – from film practitioners, arts educators, teachers, to youth and social workers.
Community Youth Members: Shelley Lau, Tommy Ho, Tommy Wu, Ada Tsang
Community Trainer: Michell Go
“For some young people, access to and engagement with arts can be difficult. Re-stART has given young people in Hong Kong the opportunity to develop their skills by engaging with an art form,” said Susannah Morley, Director, British Council in Hong Kong. ‘The programme has not only provided access and exposure to art practice and training but has provided opportunities for young people to acquire important life skills.
The British Council connected UK and Hong Kong-based experts to develop a curriculum with local community leaders, who have been trained to deliver the project to young people in their communities. These local community leaders then localised and adapted the curriculum to support young participants in engaging with their peers and local community groups, developing competencies for success at work, in education and in self-development.
The short films highlight topical social issues – from understanding family dynamics, to returning to normal life post pandemic, to examining depression and mental health.
To celebrate the conclusion of the 18-month project, participants and community members attended a celebration event at the Eaton Hong Kong on 27 October, which included a screening of excerpts from the short films produced, a session to share the creative journey of participants and a roundtable discussion with representatives from partnering organisations.
