A win-win initiative: how Hong Kong’s schools are becoming art spaces

Last updated: Fri 17 October 2025 By WCCF Editor

The Purpose
There is a keen demand for arts space and rehearsal venues from Hong Kong’s arts sector. Supported by the HKSAR Government, HKADC launched the Arts-in-School Partnership Scheme to promote better use of school premises as arts spaces, as well as nurturing students’ interests in the arts.

The Challenge
One of the challenges was the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this challenge, the Arts-in-School Partnership Scheme continued to operate and even saw a growing popularity, and the scheme adapted to the circumstances.

Over 650 arts programmes and activities have been organised to date, reaching about 30,000 participants.

The Solution

The Arts-in-School Partnership Scheme aims to foster collaboration between local arts organisations/artists and schools by encouraging school operators to lease their premises and facilities to arts organisations and artists. The artists and organisations are also encouraged to engage students at their partnering schools in various arts programmes and activities, such as performances, exhibitions, rehearsals, lectures, workshops, and online learning/sharing, to broaden students’ artistic horizons and bring arts into the school campus.

Since its launch in 2018, the Scheme has successfully matched 74 pairs of local arts units and primary/secondary/special schools to carry out a year-long partnership. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Scheme has earned growing popularity, as seen from the rising number of applications over each round. Over 650 arts programmes and activities have been organised to date, reaching about 30,000 participants.

The Impact
Parents are also invited to experience arts with their children. Some partners go a step further and invite the community to take part in activities held at school, while others encourage the students to actively engage with their neighbourhood, in collaboration with local community service organizations.

The Scheme is a one-of-its-kind initiative that successfully pools resources together from the schools and the arts sector. Looking ahead, the Scheme will continue to leverage the rapport between the schools and the arts sector to connect with communities, benefiting more students as well as their teachers, parents, peers and neighbourhood.

Source: World Cities Culture Report 2022