Latest news with #artseducation
Zawya
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Breaking Boundaries with the AFTEC Jockey Club Creative Futures Project
Leading Educational Experts Convene at Knowledge Exchange Festival 2025 Navigating Collective Creative Futures through Arts Education HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 24 May 2025 - To foster greater understanding and facilitate dialogue on creative teaching and learning among stakeholders in education and the arts, AFTEC, with funding from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, presents the Knowledge Exchange Festival on 23 – 24 May 2025 at the Hong Kong Maritime Museum. This two-day festival, themed Navigating Collective Creative Futures, is a flagship annual festival of the AFTEC Jockey Club Creative Futures Project. It has attracted over 500 representatives from educational and arts communities to explore the pivotal role of creativity and creative thinking in talent development and industry innovation. The Festival features distinguished guest speakers from overseas and Hong Kong, including Professor Anne Bamford OBE, Director of the International Research Agency and globally celebrated arts education researcher; Ms May Tan, Director (Education & Development), National Arts Council, Singapore; and Mr Irgel Enkhsaikhan and Mr Louis Schulz from Assemble Studio, the renowned London-based architecture and design collective and winner of the 2015 Turner Prize. These experts shared insights from the UK and Singapore, exploring how creative thinking shapes career development in the arts and beyond, and fuels cross-sector collaboration and innovation. Two key panel discussions delved into pertinent topics. The first discussion, Beyond Teaching: Artists' Creative Index, assessed the current professional landscape and future career pathways for arts educators in Hong Kong. The second panel, Nurturing Creative Talent: Creative Industries+, will provide insights into how different creative industries and medical sector utilise creative thinking to nurture talent and drive industry growth. Additionally, two interactive sessions will be held. Participants engaged in a children's book illustration workshop, Into the Uncut Grass: The Role of Illustrations in Children's Books, facilitated by illustrators, educators, and publishers. Another session, Fascinating!, a playful hat-making workshop led by Assemble Studio, offered attendees hands-on experiences in cross-sector creative practices. Remarkable Project Impact, Pioneering Educational Frontiers Ms Lynn Yau, Chief Executive Officer of AFTEC and Project Director of the AFTEC Jockey Club Creative Futures Project, said, "The value of the arts is often diminished by the pursuit of standardised answers. AFTEC is dedicated to promoting asset-based learning to eliminate the fear of being wrong. When teachers overly emphasise rigid curriculum frameworks and suppress creativity, students become reluctant to voice their thoughts, trapping classrooms in a cycle that focuses on deficits rather than potential. The key to transformation lies in education shifting from 'compensating for weaknesses' to 'developing strengths.' We do not need to hide weaknesses — instead, we empower everyone to leverage their unique qualities." Building on the success of an earlier pilot initiative, the AFTEC Jockey Club Creative Futures Project is a multi-level creative learning programme designed to build a robust community of arts educators. Participants employ interdisciplinary practical teaching strategies based on the 5Cs—Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Contribution—to co-design curriculum content. Through interactive, arts-based cross-disciplinary learning methods, creative practitioners collaborate with teachers to bridge traditional and creative classroom teaching, enhancing students' creativity and learning autonomy. On the second day of the Festival, the Project will announce the 12 schools selected as Creative Schools, which will implement arts-based interdisciplinary creative learning from 2025 to 2028. Sports and Culture is one of the priority funding areas for the Club's Charities Trust. Ms Winnie Yip, Head of Charities (Culture, Sports and Community Engagement), The Hong Kong Jockey Club, highlighted in her opening speech that, "AFTEC truly prioritises students' needs. The innovative launch of the AFTEC Jockey Club Creative Futures Project brings fresh energy to Hong Kong's traditional education model." For further information about the AFTEC Jockey Club Creative Futures Project, please visit Fostering Cross-border Exchange, Accelerating Creative Arts Education To enhance cross-border collaboration in arts education, two other special sessions were held during the same week. The Hong Kong-Mainland Creative Learning Cultural Exchange 2025 brought together 34 distinguished educational professionals and arts educators from various provinces and cities in the Mainland alongside Hong Kong school representatives from the AFTEC Jockey Club Creative Futures Project. Under the theme "Integrating Arts and Education," participants engaged in meaningful discussions, sharing experiences and exploring the transformative power of arts education. Another session, Capturing Asian Conceptions of Creative Thinking, chaired by Professor Anne Bamford OBE, aimed to investigate how creative thinking is defined, prioritised, and nurtured in various Asian cities, highlighting cultural similarities and differences. Hong Kong served as the starting point for this research initiative, which will subsequently expand to other Asian cities. The session was attended by experts from the AFTEC Jockey Club Creative Futures bringing together stakeholders from the business sectors, creative industries, cultural and educational institutions, arts and creative practitioners, as well as stakeholders from medicine, social innovation, and entrepreneurship, the project seeks to comprehensively examine diverse interpretations and practices of creative thinking across cultures. Research findings will be shared with UNESCO and the OECD. Hashtag: #AFTEC The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About AFTEC Advancing creative learning and arts education in Hong Kong Creativity allows us to recognise potential within ourselves and the world around us. It promotes problem-solving, nurtures relationships, cultivates resilience, and can transform lives in countless ways. At AFTEC, we work with students, educators, and creative practitioners to plant the seeds of creativity in our community. As a proudly homegrown Hong Kong organisation, we nurture the city's greatest natural resource — its people. Through co-designed, collaborative, and inclusive bilingual education programmes, we create supportive environments where young minds are free to explore, express, and flourish. We spark imagination, build confidence, and foster a sense of growth and belonging together. The Absolutely Fabulous Theatre Connection
Malay Mail
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Breaking Boundaries with the AFTEC Jockey Club Creative Futures Project
Leading Educational Experts Convene at Knowledge Exchange Festival 2025 Navigating Collective Creative Futures through Arts Education HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 24 May 2025 - To foster greater understanding and facilitate dialogue on creative teaching and learning among stakeholders in education and the arts, AFTEC, with funding from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, presents theon 23 – 24 May 2025 at the Hong Kong Maritime Museum. This two-day festival, themed, is a flagship annual festival of the. It has attracted over 500 representatives from educational and arts communities to explore the pivotal role of creativity and creative thinking in talent development and industry distinguished guest speakers from overseas and Hong Kong, including Professor Anne Bamford OBE, Director of the International Research Agency and globally celebrated arts education researcher; Ms May Tan, Director (Education & Development), National Arts Council, Singapore; and Mr Irgel Enkhsaikhan and Mr Louis Schulz from Assemble Studio, the renowned London-based architecture and design collective and winner of the 2015 Turner Prize. These experts shared insights from the UK and Singapore, exploring how creative thinking shapes career development in the arts and beyond, and fuels cross-sector collaboration and key panel discussions delved into pertinent topics. The first discussion,, assessed the current professional landscape and future career pathways for arts educators in Hong Kong. The second panel,, will provide insights into how different creative industries and medical sector utilise creative thinking to nurture talent and drive industry growth. Additionally, two interactive sessions will be held. Participants engaged in a children's book illustration workshop,, facilitated by illustrators, educators, and publishers. Another session,, a playful hat-making workshop led by Assemble Studio, offered attendees hands-on experiences in cross-sector creative practices., said, "The value of the arts is often diminished by the pursuit of standardised answers. AFTEC is dedicated to promoting asset-based learning to eliminate the fear of being wrong. When teachers overly emphasise rigid curriculum frameworks and suppress creativity, students become reluctant to voice their thoughts, trapping classrooms in a cycle that focuses on deficits rather than potential. The key to transformation lies in education shifting from 'compensating for weaknesses' to 'developing strengths.' We do not need to hide weaknesses — instead, we empower everyone to leverage their unique qualities."Building on the success of an earlier pilot initiative, theis a multi-level creative learning programme designed to build a robust community of arts educators. Participants employ interdisciplinary practical teaching strategies based on the 5Cs—Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Contribution—to co-design curriculum content. Through interactive, arts-based cross-disciplinary learning methods, creative practitioners collaborate with teachers to bridge traditional and creative classroom teaching, enhancing students' creativity and learning autonomy. On the second day of the, thewill announce the 12 schools selected as Creative Schools, which will implement arts-based interdisciplinary creative learning from 2025 to and Culture is one of the priority funding areas for the Club's Charities Trust., highlighted in her opening speech that, "AFTEC truly prioritises students' needs. The innovative launch of thebrings fresh energy to Hong Kong's traditional education model."For further information about the, please visit To enhance cross-border collaboration in arts education, two other special sessions were held during the same week. Thebrought together 34 distinguished educational professionals and arts educators from various provinces and cities in the Mainland alongside Hong Kong school representatives from the. Under the theme "Integrating Arts and Education," participants engaged in meaningful discussions, sharing experiences and exploring the transformative power of arts session,, chaired by Professor Anne Bamford OBE, aimed to investigate how creative thinking is defined, prioritised, and nurtured in various Asian cities, highlighting cultural similarities and differences. Hong Kong served as the starting point for this research initiative, which will subsequently expand to other Asian cities. The session was attended by experts from bringing together stakeholders from the business sectors, creative industries, cultural and educational institutions, arts and creative practitioners, as well as stakeholders from medicine, social innovation, and entrepreneurship, the project seeks to comprehensively examine diverse interpretations and practices of creative thinking across cultures. Research findings will be shared with UNESCO and the #AFTEC The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About AFTEC Advancing creative learning and arts education in Hong Kong Creativity allows us to recognise potential within ourselves and the world around us. It promotes problem-solving, nurtures relationships, cultivates resilience, and can transform lives in countless ways. At AFTEC, we work with students, educators, and creative practitioners to plant the seeds of creativity in our community. As a proudly homegrown Hong Kong organisation, we nurture the city's greatest natural resource — its people. Through co-designed, collaborative, and inclusive bilingual education programmes, we create supportive environments where young minds are free to explore, express, and flourish. We spark imagination, build confidence, and foster a sense of growth and belonging together.
BBC News
13-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Sheffield: Parent and pupil backlash over reduced arts teaching
Parents and pupils have criticised a planned reduction in teaching hours for arts subjects at a Sheffield secondary a recent letter to parents, Newfield School said there would be an increase in teaching time for maths and English to help boost attainment in the core curriculum changes, set to start in September, would mean fewer computing, design technology, music and drama classes for years seven to parent described the move as a "travesty" and called for a full consultation, but the school argued the arts would "remain a valued part of school life". About 300 pupils and parents gathered at the school gates on Lees Hall Road on Monday morning to protest against the move, with many carrying home-made signs. Under the plan, other subjects will move to a rotating "carousel model" to allow more curriculum time for maths and English. Liz, whose child has special educational needs, said she was "deeply concerned" about how the changes would affect her daughter. "The arts subjects are an incredible way for her to express herself," she said. "They are a break from the traditional subjects that require a lot of concentration." Charlotte, a student, said: "I love music and drama - it makes me so angry they are doing this because it is what keep me going through the week."Miranda, a parent who attended the protest, said parents were disappointed with the lack of communication over the changes. "Where is the consultation and dialogue," she said."We only found out because it was leaked."Son Lucas said: "It makes no sense to change computing, we need that more than ever with electronics jobs." Mercia Learning Trust, a multi-academy trust which runs the school, said: "We remain fully committed to a broad and balanced curriculum. "All pupils will continue to receive full coverage of the national curriculum, and all current GCSE option subjects in years 10 and 11 - including music, drama and art - will continue to be offered with lesson time above national guidance." The spokesperson continued: "We acknowledge the strength of feeling amongst a small group of families, however many parents have already expressed their support for these changes."Newfield School has a strong track record in the performing arts and this will remain a valued part of school life." Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North
CBS News
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Massachusetts arts organizations reeling from federal funding cuts, "like a sucker punch"
Federal funding cuts to the National Endowment for the Arts has some Massachusetts organizations reeling. These groups secured tens-of-thousands of dollars in grants last year only to see that money disappear with one email. "One of which stated $50,000 for this year would be cut, $55,000 for next year, both of which were already awarded would also cut and that our application for 2026-2027 season would be declined. So, over $150,000 right there in an email," said Ashleigh Gordon, a board member of Project STEP. Programs will be impacted Project STEP has been around for more than 40 years. It serves Black and Latino youth by teaching them string instruments. In addition to sitting on the board for Project STEP, Gordon also co-founded Castle Of Our Skins. The program is a concert and education series that sponsors Black artists. Their first email said $20,000 would be cut. "On Tuesday that $60,000 would also be cut, so a total of $80,000 for our organization," adds Gordon. "To not be able to continue to support in ways that have so many impacts on our being is really disturbing." She says an email from their artistic director went out to their students to explain the situation. "It's an attempt to delegitimize our work. Again, over 40 years of what we have been doing? To show we are somehow dispensable. For Castle Of Our Skins, 12 years we have been doing this work too," said Gordon. She feels targeted saying Project STEP has helped predominantly Black, Latino, and multi-racial students from low to middle income families. "Absolutely, our programing will be impacted. It's a significant amount of money," says Gordon. Lowell Folk Festival hit by cuts "You're expecting those, and you've accounted for those in your fiscal year budget," said Lee Viliesis, Executive Director of the Lowell Folk Festival. The festival was also hit by the cuts. They received an email on Friday night saying they lost $20,000 in NEA funding grants that they were awarded last year. "This is something that was awarded and is now being withdrawn. It's one thing to not have an award be offered," said Viliesis. "It just feels like a sucker punch to throw it in [an email] at 8:30 at night." They have never charged for entry, Viliesis said it would hinder accessibility. It's been that way for 39 years. "That money, because our event is only three days and it's so large, that money was a crucial point of just making it happen," said Viliesis. Now they will have to rely on the community to keep it going. "I don't like to predict the future beyond this year," said Viliesis. "If it's the last one we can ever have, then we will go out with a bang! I hope people are willing to step up and help us to make it to 2026 which is our 40th anniversary."
