The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) will present its Open Day in celebration of its 40th Anniversary on March 2 this year, featuring over a hundred free performing arts events prepared by students and faculty from six Schools on the Wanchai Main Campus and the Béthanie Landmark Heritage Campus in Pokfulam.
Dr. Gordon Munro, Acting Director of the Academy, remarks, "This Open Day stands as one of the significant events marking our 40th Anniversary. Looking back over the years, the Academy has remained dedicated to cultivating emerging arts talents and enriching the cultural landscape of Hong Kong and the region. With a diverse range of activities curated by our talented faculty, this event promises to be a vibrant celebration for all performing arts enthusiasts. We look forward to welcoming you and witnessing your invaluable support for the arts.”
A wide array of performing arts activities will be showcased, including a performance by the Junior Symphony Orchestra, Chinese and Western music concerts, excerpt performances of musicals, drama, Cantonese opera, dance open classes, film and television screenings, as well as guided tours for visitors to engage in immersive performing arts experiences. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore backstage areas to discover the secrets behind stage design, prop and costume making, and stage effects exhibitions, allowing them to indulge in the world of performing arts on the day.
This year, the School of Chinese Opera will host a special screening and seminar for Pearl Bay, an original Academy production featured in the China National Arts Fund 2024 cultural exchange project. Guests will also have the opportunity to engage in interactive AI workshops on cinema production presented by the School of Film and Television. Furthermore, a captivating video showcasing historical photos of the Academy at the Academy Library will make this event an unforgettable highlight.
The Academy warmly welcomes everyone to immerse themselves in the magic of the performing arts and come to celebrate this significant 40th Anniversary milestone.
About The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (www.hkapa.edu)
The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA), established by The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts Ordinance in 1984, is a leading tertiary institution in the performing arts in Asia. It provides professional undergraduate education and practice-based postgraduate studies. The study encompasses Chinese Opera, Dance, Drama, Film and Television, Music, and Theatre and Entertainment Arts. Its educational philosophy reflects the cultural diversity of Hong Kong with emphasis on Chinese and Western traditions, and interdisciplinary learning.
Since 2008, the Academy has attained the Programme Area Accreditation (PAA) status awarded by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ) to self-monitor and accredit its own undergraduate and post-secondary programmes in the five programme areas of Dance, Drama, Film and Television, Music, and Theatre and Entertainment Arts. Since 2016, the PAA status has been extended to cover Master’s Degree programmes and below; and since 2023, the programmes operated by the School of Chinese Opera accredited by HKCAAVQ has also received PAA status for its post-secondary and undergraduate programmes.
Besides the main campus in Wanchai, Béthanie, the site of the Academy’s Landmark Heritage Campus in Pokfulam, has housed training facilities for the School of Film and Television since 2006.
In the QS University Rankings announced in 2024, the Academy ranks 1st in Asia in the Performing Arts category.