Diverse interactive experiences of intangible cultural heritage, including art fairs, workshops, and themed game booths, are provided during the ICH+ Festival 2024/25, from June 21 to July 5 at Duplex Studio, Tai Kwun.

To strike a balance between innovation and tradition, a series of traditional technique workshops led by intangible cultural heritage (ICH) masters enables participants to experience the craftsmanship of various ICH techniques such as Guangcai (Canton Famille Rose Porcelain) Making, Paper Cutting, Dough Figurine Crafting, Blown Sugar, Galvanised Iron Products Making, Steamer Making, and Seal Carving.

Featuring an exhibition of more than 300 works jointly created by local intangible cultural heritage (ICH) master trainers and students, the ICH+ Festival is also an annual showcase of the Jockey Club ICH+ Innovative Heritage Education Programme.

A major highlight will be a live collaboration between Flower Board Crafting instructor Choi Wing-kei, contemporary artist Lau Ming-hang, and five students to create a large-scale flower board installation measuring approximately 6m x 6m.

The exhibition also features a curated selection of innovative works by five Guangcai Making students, each skilfully integrating local cultural and historical elements. For example, the traditional "Fishes and Aquatics" motif has been reimagined to include references to local Hong Kong fish species, marine scenery, and mythological figures, thereby showcasing the city's multicultural character.

Students' works of Guangcai Making

Other pieces are themed around iconic subjects such as Haw Par Mansion and the Tai Hang Fire Dragon. Of particular note is the 'ICH Paints ICH' Guangcai piece, which offers a novel interpretation of local cultural stories and explores new possibilities for traditional craftsmanship by infusing ICH arts with contemporary relevance.

The ICH Masters Sharing Session also focuses on these two spotlighted techniques, Flower Board Crafting and Guangcai Making, where distinguished ICH masters share in-depth insights into the historical and cultural significance of these traditions.

Students' works of Flower Board Crafting

The ICH+ Festival coincides with the Hong Kong ICH Month launched in June by the Hong Kong Government, which spares no effort to give the public and tourists a greater insight into ICH, enabling them to feel for themselves the cultural essence of ICH and the pleasure it brings, and promote Chinese culture.

The Jockey Club ICH+ Innovative Heritage Education Programme is funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and co-organised by Lingnan University and the Hong Kong Art School. Not only has the programme cultivated ICH educators from the perspectives of heritage and innovation, but it has also enhanced the knowledge and interest of local secondary school students in ICH through classroom teaching, workshops, and practical activities.

Picture credits: Orange News

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