Art class situation in Hong Kong 2024

If you are a student looking to find art classes, or a parent looking for a class for your kids. In 2024, students have opportunities to explore various artistic mediums, emphasising creativity, self-expression, and many more skills. 

Still, there are some things we need to work on. Specialised arts courses have started to evolve, and schools are always changing. However, what are the different types of art courses doing?

School art classes pros and cons

Art education encourages students to think beyond the ordinary. To express themselves in imagination. Students all attend one place regularly for 5 days of the week. Schools are the place where students spend most of their time, but do schools prioritise art as a key class?

International schools in Hong Kong actively embrace the arts.

Their curricula often include dedicated art classes, workshops, and extracurricular activities. Students benefit from exposure to diverse artistic forms, whether it’s music, drama, dance, film, or visual arts.

Holistic Development: These schools recognize that creativity, self-expression, and critical thinking are essential for holistic development. They create spaces where students can explore their artistic passions and talents.

However, in Hong Kong public schools, Art gets less learning time than most other subjects, as 17 to 21 percent of the time are dedicated to classes such as maths, chinese, and science, whereas only 8-10 percent of the time in school is for art class. Government funding cuts have affected art programs. Many schools struggle to maintain art staffing and provide adequate resources.Lack of investment perpetuates the perception that art clas is an “add-on” rather than an essential part of holistic education.

Public schools do not give the students any power to speak. 90 percent of the student suggestions have been banned by teachers. We planned to organise a sports event, and it was previously written in our election platform. The plan was still rejected from the school. The students then found the school was trying to stop them from making substantial contributions for the students.

The costs of Art courses

If I were to be a rising student artist, and I was trying to find an art course that could help me improve my artstyle. It would be hard because extracurricular classes in Hong Kong are expensive. Many aspiring young artists in Hong Kong face this challenge, as the cost of art instruction outside of school can be prohibitive for some families. 

Even community-based art programs may have fees that strain household budgets. This makes it extremely challenging for students from lower-income backgrounds to access the training and resources they need to develop their artistic talents. Many aspiring young artists in Hong Kong face this financial barrier. for a secondary student level full-time tutor, the lowest price is over 400 HKD per hour!

Based on SCMP, The average cost of nurturing an undergraduate student each year at public universities in Hong Kong has soared by 42 per cent over a decade, with each medical student costing as much as HK$578,000 (US$74,000) per year.

Wong Ching-yung, the head of Scientia Secondary School explained “Students might have to limit their choices when choosing which programmes to apply for due to financial considerations. Charging higher fees for certain degrees, in other words, would place one more hurdle in students’ paths,” 

Do Art charity workshops prioritise normal students? 

We often see art charities as a support aspect for many underprivileged people, so can students reach out to charity workshops for art when they want to create art as well? 

As these charities do do a great job supporting many people, among the 37 suicides in 2023, only four cases had social welfare care, reflecting the low detection rate of students at risk of suicide. Many of these cases are not being addressed, and maybe going to the charity might not be the best solution. 

Only about 20% seek help from social workers and family members. Among the remaining options, teachers rank lower than internet friends. 40.7% of students confide in friends as their coping behaviour under stress. 

Students prioritise communicating with each other, because it is a sense of belonging, Peer support is essential. Peers can relate to each other’s experiences, creating a sense of understanding and empathy. When someone faces mental health challenges, knowing they’re not alone can be comforting. 

Charities often target specific age groups or causes. They may focus on adults, families, or vulnerable populations. Teenagers might be considered a relatively untapped market for charitable actions. Charities needs to be signed up permissions, liability concerns, and data privacy regulations. Student are looking for a comfortable community to meet equals like them, so charities might not have the perfect qualifications for teengers. 

Genelyst is the best solution

Genelyst prioritises all of the necessities, and makes sure that all students are welcome in this platform. Remember that addressing mental health requires a multifaceted approach. Combining art, community, and mental health resources can create a more supportive environment for students.

Peer groups provide a sense of community. Whether online or in person, connecting with others who understand your challenges fosters a sense of belonging.

Feeling connected can improve overall mental health. Especially with people who sahre the same hobby as you. 

Genelyst stands out as a superior choice for aspiring young artists in Hong Kong compared to many other art programs and institutions. Unlike private art studios that charge exorbitant fees, Genelyst is committed to keeping its tuition affordable and accessible to students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. By offering sliding scale pricing and need-based scholarships, Genelyst ensures that financial constraints do not prevent talented students from accessing high-quality art education.

Moreover, Genelyst adopts a holistic approach that goes beyond just teaching technical art skills. It integrates mental health resources and cultivates a strong sense of community, recognizing that the overall wellbeing of students is crucial for them to thrive creatively. Through peer support groups and mentorship opportunities, Genelyst fosters connections between students who share a passion for art. This nurturing environment helps students feel understood, valued, and inspired, leading to greater artistic growth and fulfillment.

Compared to more conventional art classes, Genelyst's innovative model makes it a truly standout option. By prioritizing affordability, mental health, and community, Genelyst sets a new standard for accessible and transformative art education. For aspiring young artists in Hong Kong, Genelyst represents a rare and invaluable pathway to unlock their full creative potential.