Macau Literary Festival: the Script Road Journey

#5 2015/05

Editor’s Letter Contents

Editor-in-chief: A flagship event every May, Macao Arts Festival boasts scores of 04...... Feature Lei Chin Pang performances and exhibitions that attract many viewers from Macao Performing Arts in Macao: and abroad. With art popping up everywhere this month, we explore Trends and Their Implications Managing Editor: how different kinds of performing art groups strive for their own Flora Shaw space in the Feature; while Lawrence Lei I Leong, co-founder of the well-established Hiu Kok Drama Association, shares his observations 16...... Chit Chat Portuguese Editor: on the development of Macao’s performing arts in Chit Chat. Made in Macao on the Stage — José Oliveira Lawrence Lei I Leong on Macao’s Theatre Scene In Infographics, we provide an analysis of GDPs in the creative Email: industries in South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong from which we 20...... Extravaganza c2magazine.macau@gmail.com gather some revelations when it comes to developing the industry. Macau Literary Festival: The Script Road Journey

Produced by: While the Macau Literary Festival ends in March, its wonderful 24...... Infographics 100 Plus Cultural Creative Development Limited programmes are well worth another look in Extravaganza. As for Macao literature, figuring out its future path and how to promote it Cultural and Creative Published by: also requires a great deal of thought. Industries in Asia: Comparing GDPs Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao S.A.R. Government Our seven bloggers, old friends and new ones alike, will continue to 28...... Event Calendar come up with exciting ideas and experiences.

30...... Lei Chin Pang Blogs Editor-in-chief Leong Sin U --- From Artist to Art Commentator

Wilson Lam --- The Alibaba of Culture and Creative Industries

Ho Ka Cheng --- The Soil of Macao’s Film Industry

Joe Lei --- On Creative Inspiration and Learning

Ling Lui --- Raising the Bar

Yap Seow Choong --- Shanghai Style

Ron Lam--- Japan’s Zines

The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and the interviewees, which do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao S.A.R. Government.

2 3 4 Feature #5 2015/05 #5 2015/05 Feature 5 Fong Son Wa By Ng King Ling, Allison Chan and

Scott Messinger

Billy Hui

Erik Kuong Performing Arts in Macao: Trends and Their Implications

Macao is a tiny place, yet each year over a thousand shows of different varieties are staged here. These range from large-scale productions funded by conglomerates to local indie performances. Both commercial and subsidised arts groups face challenges and opportunities in the performing arts industry. In this issue, we invited three very different groups –– the Venetian Macao, Hiu Kok Drama Association and Point View Art Association –– to share their views on the future of Macao’s performing arts. 6 Feature #5 2015/05 #5 2015/05 Feature 7 Fong Son Wa By Ng King Ling, Allison Chan and “Musicals are popular the world over, from America to Macao,” says Scott Messinger, senior vice president of marketing at Sands China. - Photo courtesy of Around Chao

Mega Shows in Macao

The world-famous Broadway musical Cats put on Broadway musical The Lion King, the in revenue for the Venetian, but also global of North American and Asian audiences ‘The House of Dancing Water’, showing how ran in the Venetian Macao in March over company saw the potential for musicals in the attention. “Australia used to be an events can be very different. The tickets were also deep an impression the show has made on a course of 13 performances in nine days. Asian market, and it is now actively looking hotspot, people would fly from around the prohibitively expensive for a lot of people. Chinese visitors,” said Lei. Over 90% of the 200,000 tickets were for musicals that are currently on tour. world to watch a particular show. Similarly, Now we price our shows a bit lower so that sold, bringing considerable revenue to the people from many countries in Europe and we can attract both foreigners and locals He added that whether in production or organiser without including spending on The critical factor for the Venetian in deciding the United States came to Macao to watch to make these events more sustainable,” sales, The House of Dancing Water has done other things such as accommodation, food whether to put on a particular show is profit. the concert of The Rolling Stones elevating said Messinger. a very impressive job. “From the get-go, and drink and gambling. “If a show is already running in Hong Kong, Macao to becoming a well-known leisure the creators of the show tried to localise it wouldn’t make commercial sense to bring and entertainment hub in the world.” On the contrary, the City of Dreams, just it, rather than just transplanting a foreign Hot on the heels of that, the Venetian will it to Macao,” said Messinger. “Or say in a across from the Venetian, has enjoyed creation to Macao. The show has many also put on another Broadway favourite, given period of time, there are many other Messinger did not divulge numbers, but runaway success with The House of characters and elements that resonate with Beauty and the Beast, in June, for a month performances taking place nearby, we have said the Venetian turns a profit just from Dancing Water since it started showing in Chinese audiences. Of course, the beautiful and a half. “The great thing about musicals to think about whether audiences are willing selling event tickets. But it hasn’t always 2010. According to casino owner Melco’s and heart-stopping acrobatics are also is that they are loved by all ages. Kids love to spend so much money on different events.” been smooth-sailing; in 2008 the Venetian 2014 financial report, the show has been critical to its success. In terms of sales and Disney stories like Beauty and the Beast while staged Cirque du Soleil’s Zaia, but made a performed over 1,500 times to more than 2.5 marketing, the organisers asked Cantopop adults can enjoy the spectacle of song and To many people, the Venetian is still mostly loss due to low attendance. It prematurely million people. star Sammi Cheng to sing the show’s dance. Musicals are popular the world over, seen as a casino, but it has a theatre that can ended a ten-year contract with the company theme song, which was a shrewd move, from America to Macao,” said Scott Messinger, fit 1,800 people and the Cotai Arena can fit in 2012. Some said that packaging Chinese Just how successful is The House of underscoring the importance of using local senior vice president of marketing at Sands 15,000 where many stars have performed, such acrobatics in a Western style was successful Dancing Water? Lei Chin Pang, a cultural elements to ensure a show’s success.” China, which operates the Venetian Macao. as Rihanna, Eason Chan and Girls' Generation. with Western audiences, but wasn’t enough commentator in Macao, used an interesting The venue has also hosted the Shenzhen to attract Chinese audiences, many of whom anecdote to describe it. “When Hong Kong Messinger said that Sands has a group of and Philadelphia Orchestras in a joint already get to watch Chinese acrobatics in was hit by torrential rainfall in March last people scouting out potential shows around performance, as well as boxing matches. their own country. year, it reportedly caused the glass ceiling the world to bring to its casinos. After the of a shopping mall to collapse, flooding the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore successfully Messinger said the shows don’t just bring “It was a learning process for us. The tastes mall. Some people described the scene as 8 Feature #5 2015/05 #5 2015/05 Feature 9

1. 2.

1. The House of Dancing Water has become the most popular performance in Macao since it started showing in 2010 - Photo courtesy of Melco Crown Entertainment Limited - 2. Broadway musical Cats ran over a course of 13 performances in nine days in Macao, bringing considerable revenue to the organiser. - Photo courtesy of Sands China Limited 10 Feature #5 2015/05 #5 2015/05 Feature 11 Fong Son Wa By Ng King Ling, Allison Chan and Billy Hui is the artistic director of Hiu Kok Theatre - Photo courtesy of Billy Hui

Hiu Kok Theatre: Resource-Sharing in the Performing Arts Sector

While well-known private enterprises such Indeed, with today's soaring property prices, full-time posts are those responsible for share our resources. Moreover, we have also "It is true that award schemes can offer more as The Venetian Macao and City of Dreams performance groups have a hard time production and finances. Sometimes, the been thinking of forming a new drama group media publicity. However, the competition can certainly support one or more large- securing venue space for rehearsals. For Hiu actors would take turns to help with the from our existing team, so that we will have resulting from arts awards also creates scale performance group(s), what is the Kok, their fully-owned venue space in Macao administrative tasks. As Hui described, a sub-group that functions as a full-time rivalry and divisions across the industry. fate and prospects for smaller, independent has been a foundation for success. The year the theatre group is run by those who are performance group, while the other team The debate has been ongoing for years, artists and community theatre groups before last year, with the full mortgage paid passionate about drama, on an amateur basis, continues as a part-time operation. Our goal and we are yet to see a genuine consensus in Macao, and how do they retain their off, the group decided to launch a scheme rather than operates as a fully professional is to materialise this restructuring within among the practitioners. Currently, the competitiveness? to help new theatre groups in financial theatre organisation. He said: "So far, this has three years. In other words, we envisage Hiu priority for the sector is to attract more difficulties, offering two rent-free venue proved a more suitable model for us." Kok to grow in scale, with dedicated theatre substantial support for theatre arts and Set up in 1975, Hiu Kok Theatre is one spaces to encourage productions featuring groups, its own arts centre as well as other growth in terms of audience. For theatre of the most established community- emerging performance artists. What are his rationales for this positioning? creative productions." groups, additional performance runs is led theatre groups in Macao, with a solid Basically, at Hiu Kok, most of the experienced the best and most rewarding recognition grounding much envied by younger theatre Hui said: "In face of high property rentals, artists have a full-time job elsewhere, with In creative arts, awards are often seen as for their work, for a show that can only be counterparts. For one thing, Hiu Kok Theatre many theatre groups have to relocate every some having already retired from their the best way to affirm the value of good performed once or twice can hardly prove has its own premises. two years or so. Then there is the issue careers, and as such the theatre group does productions and performers. In many countries, its worth. Last year, we launched several with staffing, since there has been a short not rely on a back-to-back schedule of shows the presence of arts awards not only give long-running plays, with most commanding Artistic director of Hiu Kok Theatre, Billy supply of arts administrators. It is very hard to foot its running costs. On the contrary, winning artists a sense of recognition within a consecutive run of ten shows or more. Hui, remarked: "Ten years ago, Macao was to attract a sizeable audience without good there have been some theatre groups in the industry, it also offers substantial funding For example, the performance of Lungs has considerably set back by its weak economy. promotion, and the lack of promotion often Macao, set up by younger graduates from for winning artists to acquire training abroad, enjoyed unprecedented success. Similarly, I Many factory owners left Macao for business has a negative impact on the performance drama schools overseas, which operate on a and often generates touring opportunities for hope that Macao's theatre arts can flourish opportunities in the north. Back then, our group or morale of the actors as well, which in turn self-sustained basis. the winning productions. How does Macao and benefit from more regular, popular stage managed to invest in a factory building unit leads to a vicious cycle." fare in this aspect? Would it help if Macao performances as well as enjoy frequent as our theatre premises. Had we not done "Since we are working in drama part-time, we were to host and present its own annual touring opportunities within the Pearl River so long time ago, we would still be in for With a history of over 40 years, Hiu Kok now are able to lend our premises to other drama drama awards? Hui admitted that the current Delta region. Awards, I would say, are of a tough struggle for survival, let alone the comprises a team of 70 members, most of groups in the daytime for their creative situation in Macao has met with mixed views secondary importance." possibility to thrive and develop further." whom work on a part-time basis. Its only practice and training, making it possible to from theatre practitioners. 12 Feature #5 2015/05 #5 2015/05 Feature 13

The performance of Lungs by Hiu Kok Theatre has enjoyed unprecedented success - Photo courtesy of Hiu Kok Theatre 14 Feature #5 2015/05 #5 2015/05 Feature 15 Fong Son Wa By Ng King Ling, Allison Chan and “If the audience for performance arts were a minority, then we aim to attract the convergence of the minority," says Erik Kuong, executive director of Point View. - Photo courtesy of Around Chao

Point View Art Association: Where Quality of Art Matters

While Hiu Kok Theatre Group is a home- theatre, while others consider it to appeal for good art to evolve and develop. Macao, increase despite the recent rise in seeking the convergence of the minority." grown theatre group, Point View Art only to the taste of the minority. Erik Kuong, however, does not always offer such an government funding. This is mainly caused He felt that the competition for an audience Association (“Point View”), established executive director of Point View, thought environment to nurture the organic growth by the time constraint imposed on the actors is not a competition among theatre groups, since 2008, is considered an arts group that differently. of artistic productions. and stage space, making it difficult to build but a competition between stage drama targets at the market outside Macao. Each up momentum for a show over time. At and other entertainment programmes. "I year, the Association is invited to perform "I think developing our niche is different "Strangely enough, the performance scene the end of the day, the quality of creative often reflect on the question whether the its productions overseas. While theatre is its from popularity-seeking. In my view, it is in Macao meant that a drama production practice is compromised. theatre groups in Macao are offering enough key focus, the Association's productions are not necessary to be crude. If the audience lasts for only two to three show runs. It is choices to the audience. For example, if often quite experimental, boasting the use for performance arts were a minority, then very different from other regions where the "If each theatre group were to stage just I were potentially interested in checking of multimedia elements. Its well-received we aim to attract the convergence of the practitioners have a year's time to develop one or two productions each year, then out a show, it is possible that I cannot find show, Playing Landscape, for example, merges minority." Convinced that both visual arts and and build up reputation for a production." they will have much more time to develop a date to go and watch it, since there are ink painting, symbolism, forms with stage the theatre have never been a mainstream With this in mind, Point View aims for quality and improve the performances, and actors only two to three show runs for a local play. drama. Two years ago, the group was invited entertainment, Kuong considered it highly in their performances, preferring to focus will have the opportunity and time to bring Faced with such constraints, it is difficult to to perform in the Mindelact International important for Macao's performance arts on only one or two memorable productions out their full potential." For Point View, their cultivate new audience." Theatre Festival in Cape Verde, Africa. Three to look further afield for expansion and each year. production Playing Landscape, now in its of its recent productions including Playing development opportunities. seventh version, has won international acclaim, Kuong believed that the government Landscape, the musical theatre Picnic in the Of course, not every performance group has and is on tour to a different country each year. should not evaluate a production based Cemetery and micro-theatre Puzzle the Puzzle, Most of Point View's core members have such luxury of time. To secure government on the audience figure of an individual were featured in last year's Edinburgh Festival trained overseas before their return to Macao funding, arts groups are often assessed by Kuong added: "The theatre audience in performance. "The government must learn Fringe in the UK, commanding four weeks of to develop their artistic careers. Combining the quantity rather than quality of their Macao is limited. It is nearly impossible, let's to analyse better the growth trends of performance runs and receiving rave reviews. music, fashion, stage production and design creative output. In other words, an arts say, to draw an audience of 30,000 persons audience, mapping out the demographics, talents, Point View has developed a niche in group can amass more resources only if it in Macao. However, if we were to explore and taking into account the typical growth Best known for its unconventional artistic multimedia productions, and is focused on comes up with new creative works. Noting further afield, we can aim at a 3,000-plus rate of the theatre audience. This will help approach, Point View distinguishes itself the sustained growth of its creative practice. this constraint on performance groups, audience in Taipei, an audience of 5,000 the government to form a more holistic and from Macao's traditional performance Kuong believed that each performance is Kuong pointed out that the quality of drama people in Guangzhou, or to seek out places accurate assessment of the theatre groups arts. Some see this as a refreshing take on a living piece of art, and that it takes time productions has not seen a proportionate such as Beijing. This is what I meant by and their creative output." 16 Chit Chat #5 2015/05 #5 2015/05 Chit Chat 17 By Wong Io Man Lawrence Lei I Leong, co- P: Did you always know you wanted to general atmosphere and cultural policy founder of Hiu Kok Drama produce plays for Macao? is also beneficial. On the other hand, Association, says: “There is people who work in theatre, especially still a lot of room for the L: My creations are basically about Macao. freelancers, have to work very hard and taste of Macao audiences to One of my plays that deals with the issue constantly produce shows to maintain develop. The issue is, no one is doing any market research. of the handover is based on Demi-Gods their income. In the past, we had day jobs The plays today are not and Semi-Devils, because I felt that one and worked in theatre as amateurs, so catering to what audiences of the characters, Qiao Feng, was a good we could take months to think about a want, so audiences don’t pay parallel to the question of Macao people’s production. This isn’t possible anymore any attention in response.” identity. Sand Dune Journey is also based in today’s arts scene. As a result, there - on a novel and explores the feeling of are fewer original Macao productions. Photo courtesy of Around home. Both of these plays are inspired by Producers today don’t read books because Chao books which I have adapted for Macao. I they don’t have the time, or if they do, they write plays about Macao basically because would rather watch films which are more I am a Macao person. easily digested and understood. People will choose plays that were successful P: How do you see the development of overseas to put on in Macao, rather than "What do the middle- Macao’s theatre scene? putting the effort into original creations classes need? They demand that have some association with Macao. entertainment and topics that Made in Macao on the Stage — L: It’s flourishing. A lot of young people have This is a big worry. received training elsewhere. The academic resonate with them. The plays Lawrence Lei I Leong on Macao’s Theatre Scene and creative environment has improved P: Do you think Macao’s theatre scene will right now do not resonate with and information is easy to come by. The become industrialised? audiences. "

Lawrence Lei I Leong is a true legend of Macao’s theatre scene. He is one of the founders of the four decade-old Hiu Kok Drama Association. He has written dozens of plays and novels, and is now the director of the Macao Conservatory.

Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils

P: Cultural Commentator, Lei Chin Pang L: Playwright Lawrence Lei I Leong (1991) deals with the issues of the handover and P: Which is the most memorable out of all L: Not just that type of production, the L: When I was small, I liked talking to myself Macao people’s identity your creations? whole theatre world in Macao was quiet. when I was on the way to school, playing - There was no active drama group at the different roles. I also liked listening to Photo courtesy L: Angry People. It was made in the early time. We called ourselves Hiu Kok to wake radio series. In primary two, I used the of Lawrence Lei I 1980s, and was about the wave of illegal up the moribund theatre world in Macao. breakfast money that my siblings and I Leong immigrants from China at the time. The Since its establishment, we have held had saved up to buy one seat for three play was shown at Lou Lim Ieoc Garden. dear to two principles. First, we only sell people in the cinema. After I saw the The Portuguese academics and officials tickets and never give them away, this is film, I was thinking in my mind about the in the audience were deeply moved and a form of respect to artists. Second, we film structure and how I would remake clapped enthusiastically. Afterwards, a lot insist on original productions that focus it. One time, my younger brother fainted of groups felt that we should not have put on local issues. At the time of Hiu Kok’s as he had a habit of not eating breakfast, the play on in public because it exposed establishment, Macao was a very closed so I didn’t take his money anymore. I the true horrors of life for Chinese illegal place. It was difficult to get information. didn’t have enough money, so I turned immigrants. We compromised in the end, There were many contentious issues in to reading in second-hand bookstores. I and I ended up using a milder script. Macao at the time, for example there was read Lu Xun, Lao She and others mostly. But I think that the play reflects reality the emigration wave, a mass registration I began to get into fiction writing, and and clashes between people. There was of illegal immigrants, Vietnamese boat submitted stories to Macao Daily but they nothing political about it. people and so on. The themes of our didn’t publish my submissions. When I productions naturally revolved around finished secondary school, I turned to P: When Hiu Kok was first established, was those issues. writing plays. It was then that I found the it rare for people to write plays reflecting space to express myself. Macao society? P: How did you become interested in theatre? 18 Chit Chat #5 2015/05 #5 2015/05 Chit Chat 19

Lawrence Lei I Leong’s The Puppet of Lao Jiu was staged in Singapore in 2013 - Photo courtesy of Lawrence Lei I Leong

L: It’s possible, the question is how to create resonate with audiences. those conditions. Creative productions need to sell well and take into account P: What do you think is missing from Macao’s audience’s tastes. There is still a lot of theatre scene now? room for the taste of Macao audiences to develop. The issue is, no one is doing L: It needs to open up the commercial any market research. The plays today are market, for example by establishing a not catering to what audiences want, proper venue. The talent pool also isn’t so audiences don’t pay any attention comprehensive enough, we have technical in response. If one day our audience is workers but not enough creative people middle-class, then the market is mature. or actors. It’s difficult for local students to Their spending power is strong and they apply to theatre schools abroad as they have influence. If plays can influence can be constrained by language, height them, they can influence society, and and other things. Also, a city needs to create interactions that way. What do create its original productions, otherwise the middle-classes need? They demand why should anyone pay attention to you? entertainment and topics that resonate A Macao production needs to have local with them. The plays right now do not characteristics and feelings. 20 Extravaganza #5 2015/05 #5 2015/05 Extravaganza 21 By C Wong “We hope that this Macao writer festival can kindle Joe Tang shares interest in Macao as his writing a place of culture experience with and narrative among students in the writers, and help University of to encourage more Macau world literature - that celebrates the Photo courtesy city," says Hélder of The Script Beja, Vice-Director Road | Tatiana of Macau Literary Lages Festival. - Photo courtesy of Around Chao

Macau Literary Festival: The Script Road Journey

Leveraging the uniqueness of Macao, a city steeped in As a city where Chinese is the predominant The festival has a both Chinese and Portuguese young readers to was funded solely by private sector, i.e. Ponto working part-time. It is not always easy to the works of each other before a fruitful language for both everyday life and the broad-based appeal: take part in our Final, with a mere MOP $300,000 coming mobilise sufficient manpower to support exchange can take place. Most writers language medium for writing, many have in addition to cultures, the first Macau activities. Secondly, from the government. In the second year, the growing scale of the festival. Moreover, outside Macao are not even aware of our found it bewildering why Macao’s leading seminars, exhibitions Literary Festival was held in we have amassed with the Cultural Affairs Bureau as a partner since we want to prepare all the publicity literature, particularly since they don't newspaper, Ponto Final, has decided to host to poetry readings, 2012. great support from organisation, the government sponsorship materials and brochures in three languages know the Chinese language, and there is the Macau Literary Festival. The festival’s there are also events the media this year, has increased. This year, the festival has (Chinese, Portuguese and English), and the such a lack of translated editions for the vice-director, Hélder Beja, said: "Looking back, that cater to popular media, such as concerts, particularly the widespread media coverage won the support from both the Cultural programme has grown bigger, the workload local writings. These have made a truly when Ricardo Pinto and I first discussed to visual arts, film and drama screenings. This in Hong Kong on our events. Lastly, the Affairs Bureau and the Macao Foundation, as has been increased significantly." He added productive exchange of views difficult." organise such a festival in 2011, our idea strategy not only makes literature a much fact that we managed to use The Old Court well as the Secretary for Social Affairs and that it is their plan next year to announce is to address the lack that there is not a more friendly and approachable form of art, Building as a main base for this year's Culture and the Macau Government Tourist their speakers and programmes in early Despite the setbacks, the festival has been single literary festival in China, Portugal or it promotes a more festive atmosphere as festival means that the festival becomes Office, and received MOP $1.45 million February next year, so as to capture a wider strong in advocating “writing Macao”. Other Brazil that can offer a platform for sharing people share and discuss literature. One of much more visible and accessible than worth of government funding, adding up to audience for the festival in March. than commissioning Chinese language and and exchange among those who write in the fiction writers from China represented before." a total budget of MOP $2.7 million including Portuguese language writers to create works Portuguese and in Chinese." in this festival, Yan Ge, remarked on the private sponsorship. Beja conceded that, with Going through the list of festival speakers, on Macao, the festival actively promotes receptivity of Macau Literary Festival and Being known for its casino enterprise the more generous funding, they are most one notices that local writers are far and the works of local writers. This year, the Leveraging the uniqueness of Macao, a city her refreshing experience at the festival, and tourism more than for its literature, likely to achieve a break-even this year. few between. Agnes Lam, a local writer, organiser has championed the translation of steeped in both Chinese and Portuguese a place where both rock music concerts Macao's government has hitherto paid little said: "The organiser has always been the popular book The Assassin by Joe Tang cultures, the first Macau Literary Festival was and literary events were celebrated, and a attention to the literary festival vis-à-vis This year's festival boasts a strong list of keen to invite local writers to take part into three languages, i.e. English, Portuguese held in 2012. Beja said: "Other than the works precious opportunity where she could meet other festive celebrations targeted at the writers and film professionals, including in their programmes, however, given the and Simplified Chinese; while an anthology by local writers, there has been a lack of interest with Portuguese writers for the first time. tourists. Beja said: "There are many other Wang Anyi, Ann Hui, Wong Bik Wan and tight timeline, and the fact that most local entitled Rule of Three, featuring short stories in Macao as a place of narrative among writers events organised or sponsored by the Murong Xuecun, as well as Ondjaki, Francisco writers do not write full-time, it is rather and poetry on Macao by local and overseas in other regions. We hope that this festival Now in its fourth year, the Macau Literary government that receive a much bigger José Viegas, Maria do Rosário Pedreira and hard for them to join the events at short writers, has been compiled and published can kindle interest in Macao not just as a Festival, according to Beja, enjoys portion of financial support, even when João Botelho, from the Portuguese-speaking notice. Another hurdle is concerned with, in three languages. Besides local print and destination but in as a place of culture and unprecedented success in these areas: its impact in society or what remains at countries. However, the festival programme to some extent, communication barriers distribution, the anthology is also available narrative among writers, and help to encourage "Firstly, we were able to collaborate with the end is probably less significant." was not announced until a very late stage. between Chinese language and Portuguese as an e-book, so that more readers overseas more world literature that celebrates the city." schools and children's literature authors to Beja explained: "The festival is run by a language writers. Both groups of writers can have the opportunity to learn more bring literature into classrooms, encouraging In 2012, the first Macau Literary Festival very small team, with most of the officers would need more time in advance to read about Macao literature. 22 Extravaganza #5 2015/05 #5 2015/05 Extravaganza 23

The Doomsday Hotel, a novel For the first time the written by Hong Kong writer Macau Literary Festival has Wong Bik Wan and set in encouraged young readers to Macao, has been transcribed take part in literary activities into recitation and music in the - Macau Literary Festival. Photo courtesy of The Script - Road | Tatiana Lages Photo courtesy of The Script Road | Tatiana Lages 24 Infographics #5 2015/05 #5 2015/05 Infographics 25 By Wong Io Man The film South Korea is now a powerhouse of which includes e-books, points towards the in 2010 the value of cultural and creative industry is one cultural exports in Asia, and is the subject of continuing importance of the internet and industries rose 22.8% from a year ago of the creative many studies around the world. According digital industries going forward. to HK$77 billion. The growth rate was industries that to data released by South Korea's Ministry markedly faster than the 9.8% nominal Hong Kong tries of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2010 and In Taiwan, the government in 2009 began GDP growth rate. The share of cultural and to revive - 2011, gaming added the most value to the to redefine the direction of its cultural and creative industries of Hong Kong’s GDP also Photo courtesy South Korea economy among cultural and creative industries, focusing on six industries increased from 4.1% in 2009 to 4.6% in of SilkTork creative industries in 2009, with a share of in particular. The Council for Culture Affairs 2010. Taking a longer view of the future, one 50.89%, making it also the most profitable. released figures in 2009 showing that the can look at the growth rate of cultural and After that is knowledge information, value of cultural and creative industries creative industries from 2005 to 2010, which publishing and animation. The sector that in Taiwan in 2002 totalled some NT$435 grew on average 8.3% a year, compared to adds the least value is film, followed by billion, rising to NT$633 billion in 2007. 4.6% for nominal GDP. advertising. Between 2002 and 2007, cultural and creative industries grew on average 7.78% “As these figures show, Macao’s neighbours However, Agnes Lam, Assistant Dean for a year, compared to 3.7% for Taiwan’s GDP have done well in the development of Faculty of Social Sciences of the University as a whole. In terms of value added, these cultural and creative industries. This shows of Macau, believes that the rankings are industries added on average about NT$231 that in the era of the knowledge-driven likely to change in the future, particularly billion to Taiwan’s economy in 2002, and economy, culture is an important indicator because of the influence of K-Pop, even an estimated NT$335 billion in 2007, an for measuring competitiveness, and the Cultural and Creative though gaming currently dominates. In increase of NT$104 billion. commercial value of cultural and creative addition, the importance of knowledge industries are crucial in boosting ‘soft Industries in Asia: information, publishing and animation, In Hong Kong, government data show that power,’” said Agnes Lam. Comparing GDPs Value of Cultural and Creative Industries in South Korea, 2007-2009 (Millions of Won, %)

Cultural and creative industries have come to make up a significant share of many economies. 2007 2008 2009 This issue, we analyse these industries in three Asian markets, namely, South Korea, Taiwan Industry Rate of Rate of Rate of Value Value Value and Hong Kong. Sales value Sales value Sales value Weighting added added added added added added Publishing 21595539 8949107 41.44% 21052936 8972761 42.62% 20609123 8736207 42.39% 30.6%

Comics 7616868 282052 37.03% 723286 282600 39.21% 739094 290833 39.36% 1% K-Pop is one Gaming 5143600 2487445 48.36% 5604700 2808000 50.1% 6580600 3348867 50.89% 11.7% of the most promising Film 3183301 880819 27.67% 2885572 349442 12.11% 3306672 1087895 32.9% 3.8% creative industries in Animation 311166 122506 39.37% 404760 167287 41.33% 418570 175213 41.86% 0.6% South Korea Television 10534374 4267646 40.51% 11685533 3870377 32.57% 12768963 5165349 40.45% 18.1% - Photo courtesy Independent of Eva Rinaldi Video ﹣ ﹣ ﹣ 727411 295838 40.67% 796175 328343 41.24% 1.1% Production Advertising 9434625 4002168 42.42% 9311635 4062666 43.63% 9186878 3445079 37.5% 12.1%

Cosplay 5115639 1801217 35.21% 5098713 1956376 38.37% 5358272 2202786 41.11% 7.7% Knowledge 4297341 1729680 40.25% 4777330 1946438 41.12% 5255185 2237658 42.58% 7.8% information Creative Industry 1679800 642524 38.25% 1866100 731698 39.21% 2036362 802734 39.42% 2.8% Service Total 64414776 25952873 40.29% 66012641 26113290 39.56% 6900472 28515387 41.33% 100%

* Rate of value added = ( Value added/sales) X100% Source: 2010 Cultural and Creative Industries Survey, 2011 1st Quarter Cultural and Creative Industries Trend Report, (South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) 26 Infographics #5 2015/05 #5 2015/05 Infographics 27

Creative industry is one of the key industries in Taiwan. A number of disused facilities are given a new life as creative precincts. - Photo courtesy of Chongkian 28 Event Calendar #5 2015/05 #5 2015/05 Event Calendar 29

Event Calendar

Macao International Film and Video The 26th Macao Arts Festival Le French May TNUA Summer School 2015 Macao Printmaking Triennial Festival 2015—Macao Indies Date: 1/5/2015-31/5/2015 Date: 1/5/2015-30/6/2015 Date: 3/7/2015-12/7/2015 (Application period Works Submission: 1/6/2015-30/6/2015 Date: 12/5/2015-16/5/2015 Time: Various Time: Various opens until 31/5/2015) Exhibition: 29/11/2015-14/2/2016 Time: Various Venue: Various Venue: Various Venue: Taipei National University of the Arts Venue: Macao Museum of Art Venue: Macao Cultural Centre Ticket: Various Ticket: Various Fee: NT$18,800—NT$32,000 Ticket: MOP60 (Tuition rates vary based on modules enrolled) Details: Curated by prominent printmaking artist Details: The theme of this edition of the Details: Under the title “Essentially French”, Wong Cheng Pou, the second edition of Macao Details: The 9th Macao International Film and Macao Arts Festival, "Encounter", represents an the 23rd edition of Le French May arts festival Details: Targeted to students aged 14 to 21, this Printmaking Triennial is now calling for entry. Video Festival features more than 40 movies attempt to explore the linguistic diversity of the explores both heritage and modernity in the 10-day programme offers introductory courses All printmaking methods are welcomed. The from around the world, and the “Macao Indies" performing arts and to break through various French culture, with more than 120 activities in art, theatrical studies, dance, traditional winner will receive a cash prize of MOP250,000. session showcases 26 outstanding works of language restrictions. With over 100 activities, in the lowdown. Highlights include“Ça C’est music, filmography, new media and animation. local filmmakers. including music, play, dance, exhibitions, outdoor Vraiment Toi" by French Rock/Pop singers, and Organiser: Cultural Affairs Bureau performances and plenty more. dance performance “Transports Exceptionnels” Organiser: Taipei National University of the Arts Web: www.triennialmacau.com/ Organiser: Macao Cultural Centre by Beau Geste. Web: aaa.tnua.edu.tw/class/p2.aspx?tid=39 Web: www.ccm.gov.mo/Event.aspx/-1 Organiser: Cultural Affairs Bureau Web: www.icm.gov.mo/fam/26/en/ Organiser: Consulate General of France in Hong Kong & Macau Web: www.frenchmay.com/programmes/event. aspx?name=Roots

Macao Cultural Industries Forum 2015 Art Revolution Taipei 2015 Crown of the Alps: Masterworks from the China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Opening of Nam Van C-Shop themed with Collections of the Prince of Liechtenstein Industries Fair 2015 "Macao Cultural and Creative Map" Date: 17/5/2015-20/5/2015 Date: 8/5/2015-11/5/2015 Venue: Macao Science Center Time: 12pm-8pm (11am-7pm on 10/5/2015) Date: 17/4/2015-31/8/2015 Date: 14/5/2015-18/5/2015 Date: Starting from 5/5/2015 Time: 9:30am Venue: Hall Three, Taipei World Trade Center Time: 9am-5pm Venue: Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Time: 11am-8pm Ticket: Free (Please email to mciforum@ccea. Ticket: NT$100 Venue: 1/F, Library, National Palace Museum, Center Venue: Avenida Doutor Mário Soares, Macao org.mo to book in advance) Taiwan Ticket: Free Details: “Enjoy Art・Enjoy Happiness" is the Ticket: NT$250(Tickets purchased before Details: The store features products made Details: The inaugural edition of the forum theme of this year’s Art Revolution Taipei. Two 30/8/2015: NT$160) Details: Set in nine exhibition halls, this is the or designed in Macao, including souvenirs, invites experts from UNCTAD, China and Europe thousand art pieces from 62 countries and only national, internationalised and integrated accessories, books and furniture. Remember to share their insights on the future of the regions are showcased in the art fair. Last year, Details: This special exhibition presents more cultural industries fair in China. A series of to pick a copy of “Macao Cultural and Creative culture and creative industries and how Macao its artist-with-sale ratio reached as high as than one hundred exhibits by many masters, large-scale supporting activities aiming at Map”, your ultimate guide of everything art, can learn from the best practices around the 93.21%, a record in art fairs worldwide. The fair including Raphael, Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony providing specialised trading, investment and culture and design in the city. world. also features a special charity programme which van Dyck, and Rembrandt van Rijn. Covering financial services for cultural projects and proceeds from the sale of artworks go directly the art of different periods, from Renaissance products will also be held. Organiser: Cultural Affairs Bureau Organisers: Chinese Cultural Exchange to Taiwan Fund for Children and Families. and Baroque to the Dutch Golden Age, and of Web: www.facebook.com/MacaoCreativePavilion Associaion (Macao), Institute for Cultural different genres, these exquisite artworks are Organiser: Ministry of Culture of the P.R.C., Industries of Peking University Organiser: Taiwan International Contemporary organised as a splendid yet concise history of Shenzhen Municipal People's Government, etc. Artist Association art that leads you to read the minds of these Web: www.cnicif.com Web: www.arts.org.tw great artists.

Organiser: National Palace Museum, Taiwan Web: www.npm.gov.tw 30 Blogs #5 2015/05 #5 2015/05 Blogs 31

Leong Wilson Sin U Lam

Born in Macao, Leong Sin U Founder of Macau Creations, attended Hong Kong Baptist with over 30 years of University and acquired experience in commercial Master of Visual Arts (Arts advertising and graphic and Culture) in 2014. She design in Canada and Macao. was a member of the Practicing the concept of commentary groups of the “creating classics through From Artist to Art 2012 and 2013 Taipei Fringe, The Alibaba of Culture and Creative the ordinary” unswervingly. Hong Kong People’s Fringe Festival, Macao Arts Festival Commentator and Macao Fringe. Industries

Not long ago I ran into a friend who did props for local troupes. She If organisers recognise the importance of art reviews, they can even The spotlight of the CCTV New Year’s Gala 2015 was on WeChat’s “shake act according to personal sentiments nor just sit back and wait. asked if I have watched a certain theatrical production by a local become a part to promote the artwork. Although reviews were for red pocket” function. It put enormous pressure on the People's group, and she said she has not heard any feedback for the show, and featured in Macao’s official events like the Macao Arts Festival and Bank of China, because the advantage of Alipay is greatly threatened, The Government Should Take the Lead it was weirdly quiet. the Macao Fringe, online updates and promotions are carried out by and they have to rise against the challenges in the highly interactive If the government is to develop the creative business, it has to show external agencies. The devotion and update rate from the officials and competitive market. If they fail to enhance their competitiveness, support and respect by action. For example, the bidding process of The word “quiet” has got me thinking — an art group that wants to are unsatisfactory. In this regard, the Taipei Fringe can be a good Taobao or even Alibaba will soon drop behind. The Internet has turned designs has to be revamped. As the person-in-charge of a design improve needs feedback. In any mature art sector, commentators are reference for them. I participated in the festival in 2012 and 2013 as traditional industries upside down, and therefore it is important for company, I strongly oppose the condition of submitting a design draft indispensable, and can even be an occupation. Apart from giving an overseas art commentator. There was a section for reviews on the creative and cultural enterprises to address the impact of it. free-of-charge to enter for a bidding. Designers rely on their drafts reviews to art pieces, art commentators also increase the exposure festival’s website, and commentators had to submit their comments to make money and maintain reputation, but these administrative and discussion of these works. Macao has limited scale and frequency and scores within 24 hours after viewing the shows. The organisers Marketing Makes Or Breaks Business processes are destroying them. of performances, so reviews may not necessarily lead to a better box would then post them online as soon as they can. Sometimes you Macao’s creative and culture industry lacks talents and resources, and office. Most of the reviews gave focus on artistry only, commentators would even get a friendly response from the staff when you submit people with potential are fighting the war alone. Without sufficient The government’s request for tender usually calls for three design are amateur and sometimes carry multiple roles. comments at 9pm. Therefore, the next day of the show people capital and marketing, ideas with potential cannot reach the market, and drafts per submission, meaning that each draft only get one third of would be able to view scores and comments of each performance, some of them are aborted even before the stage of industrialisation. opportunity to win the bid, and the remaining ones would go to waste. Art creation and art review originate from different standpoints. In categorised according to authors or shows. Good designs often lose the bid because they need higher budgets, my four years’ time with Macao Theatre’s commentary programme, Progress of the industry cannot rely solely on input of capital, because and this is ridiculous. We hope that the government can clearly state I went to workshops that were hosted in Macao, which invited It can be observed from art commentary events that young money won’t make outdated ideas relevant again. The government the budget roof of each bid and reimburse bidders with a basic cost of commentators from other Chinese-speaking regions. I also commentators have published many reviews, but the quality and faces a huge challenge in this regard, because the effectiveness of each creation, so that participants can decide if they should invest time on participated in commentary events in Hong Kong, Taiwan and locally, quantity are not guaranteed because they are busy with their project it subsidised is debatable. Most of the time, the success of creative the project or not. This can also redirect the approval standards back to which gave me perspectives of the art commentary scene in different jobs. Personally I understand the importance of reviews, but my campaigns depend on the way they are marketed, and those are the the creation itself. A lot of enterprises are following the government’s regions, and more understanding of my own role. As a creator of participation is sometimes affected by various types of other works operators’ job, not the government’s. The government has to subsidise mechanism, causing a vicious competition of price, instead of the creativity. literature and visual arts, I had limited knowledge of how theatres and creations. In addition, commentators are often engaged as long-term projects, which would bring positive impact to the industry. are run, but I understood what situation people in the creative organisers or creators of events, which makes it difficult for them to More and more people in Macao are complaining: how much more does Building Macao’s Alibaba in Culture and Creative industries industries faced. I had watched rehearsals and performances of stay independent. This is the plight faced by organisers of dramatic the government have to spend to industralise the creative and culture We need an updated culture and creative platform in which the Comuna de Pedra, and was deeply touched by their devotion. But I criticisms if they want the programme to continue. On one hand they scene? The government should not be a market participant, so it is up to government would take the lead to create a new commercial website had to face my other identity — the lonely commentator who has to need commentators to accumulate experience, and on the other hand the market and the industry to perfect the plan. I believe that it is better to about the industry. This would build up as Macao’s Alibaba and solve write objectively after the show. I have to take responsibility of my they need more new blood to join the industry. The art circle also has promote one common core value through different development projects. technical obstacles like cross-border payments, electronic banking, own reviews, and I face being commentated as well. But to analyse to respond and coordinate. More attention is needed for this kind of e-shop licensing, freight costs and taxing. The government would promote an artwork and drive development of the art scene, it is important to interactive relationship. The market is cruel. Only the best products gain a firm footing. Despite a the platform to the world and absorb experts in cultural performances, trigger sparks with different views. wealthy government, Macao’s private sector is still weak. Ideally, Macao’s art collection, creative design and animation film, and these talents will resources should be reserved for Macao people, but logically one should go on to become the spokespeople of Macao’s creative industry. look beyond that when doing business. Thanks to the liberalisation of the gaming industry in Macao, today we have what it takes to build Lastly, I think the government has to develop popular culture education, search a world-class tourism and leisure centre. This is a solid proof of the for talents and potential enterprises, and provide support to them. Only importance of healthy competitions. The market is an arena; we cannot superb culture and creative products are marketable to open up new markets. 32 Blogs #5 2015/05 #5 2015/05 Blogs 33

Ho Joe Ka Cheng Lei

Supervisor of Audio-Visual Lyricist and songwriter in CUT Association. One of the Hong Kong and Macao. directors of Macau Stories Written over 300 songs. 1, also involved in Macau Capricorn. Says what’s on Stories 2 - Love in the City his mind. and Macau Stories 3 - City Maze. Macau Stories 2 - Love The Soil of Macao’s Film in the City received a special On Creative Inspiration and mention at Portugal’s Avanca Film Festival, and Industry was shown at film festivals Learning in Tokyo and Osaka.

The story of the development of Macao’s film industry can be divided Liberal film education refers to, for example, promoting film in Many people ask, can musical composition be taught? Yes, certainly. I poems without any thinking or effort. In the case of Amadeus, you into three parts. primary and secondary schools. Using film as a medium, teachers started teaching pop music composition ten years ago at Star House would believe it takes only one’s genius, not hard work, to effortlessly can broaden students’ horizons and stoke their interest in a wide in Tsim Sha Tsui, then moving on to Baron School of Music teaching create a masterpiece that would last through the ages – as if the so- The first is production, which can be divided into commercial and variety of issues around the world as well as their critical thinking courses on musical composition and lyric writing. While teaching in called genius must be born and never be taught or passed along. In non-commercial films. While it might be difficult to find Macao skills. Through film, students can learn about human existence and Hong Kong pays well, there’s not much time left for the day after a fact, this is a huge misconception about creativity. films that fit the typical definition of “commercial”, we can still experience different human interactions, helping them construct long, laborious commute. Since teaching composition in Macao this try. “Commercial” here describes movies that suit the tastes of the values and worldviews. year, having a single round trip commute feels much more relaxing. Of course, there are indeed artists who can produce good works general public, that are about an hour and a half long and are Those who wish to enrol in or study this kind of courses (for example, despite the lack of professional training, but they are in the minority. screened in cinemas. “Non-commercial” films are more individualistic, Macao still doesn’t have a sizeable film industry, but we have taken musical composition) need to have the following ready: After all, those with training and experience are better off than those without. With a more solid foundation, your creative career will such as so-called micro-films. the first step. To start with, we need to construct a healthy environment 1. A good foundation in music theory – about an equivalent of last longer and be more stable. The key point is no one can rely on for films to allow the industry development. To achieve this, three kinds ABRSM Grade 5; inspiration alone to stay creative throughout their career. The second is promotion, which refers either to bringing foreign of people need to come together –– film producers, film researchers and 2. Be capable of playing at least one musical instrument, preferably films to Macao, or promoting Macao films overseas. Bringing in the audience. Only when they are joined tightly together can the film the piano; In fact, working in the creative industry requires specialised skills, non-mainstream, non-commercial, arthouse type films from abroad industry thrive in the right ecology. For example, after someone produces 3. Don’t be shy when working on a composition. A majority of a significant depth of knowledge and constant hard work, just like definitely helps to educate the Macao audience, giving people a a film, and neither the general public nor film commentators/researchers students like to compose using musical instruments, but I think in many other industries. Do not put the creative industry on the more diverse selection of films beyond the usual general release show any interest in it, it would be impossible to capitalise on the one’s voice is a much better instrument. However, many students pedestal: there is no god out there that hit us with an arrow of productions. It could also help develop the city’s film industry. cultural values of the film. This is not healthy for the development of are reluctant to use the humming method to compose. Asians tend inspiration and stimulate our minds; nor is there an artist who can Macao’s film industry. “Healthy” means that local film productions should to be self-conscious by nature; create a unique artwork out of the blue without being taught. Most But Macao films must also look beyond Macao so that people be entertaining from a commercial sense, but also possess cultural 4. Be able to listen to a lot of music from many different genres with of the time, we study and analyse previous works and rework them by elsewhere can learn about Macao’s culture. For now, Macao films are and historical values that provoke inspiration and reflection in people. an open mind, or else your compositions will have a very narrow improving or reorganising it, particularly in the early stages of one’s not shown commercially in other countries, but at least they should When producers, researchers and the audience join together it will lay the range of styles; creative career. The early works of Mozart were heavily influenced by be made available to increase cultural exchanges between Macao foundation for the development of a healthy film industry in Macao that is 5. Be willing to be creative. It’s true that while some students relish Haydn while the early works of Beethoven were inspired by Mozart. and other places. diverse, innovative and substantive. the act of taking notes, they are reluctant to create in a hands-on Good works are often the result of trial and error through imitation way – probably a disastrous result of spoon-feeding education in and practice. The third is film education, both in the professional and liberal The government has been putting more and more funding into the Hong Kong and Macao; sense. The former refers to teaching in colleges, including directing, film industry in the past decade. Local audiences are also paying 6. A computer installed with music software. Several artists of my acquaintance are known to often travel abroad acting, technical education, as well as screenwriting, distribution, more attention to Macao productions. Filmmakers are steadily to find inspiration but their creative output did not appear to promotion, film festival planning, film theory and so forth, which improving in quality and quantity. But Macao still lacks talent in With the six qualities described above, you will probably be qualified increase much after making the trip. Here are some humble thoughts are all important. At the moment, none of those skills can exist as film studies, which can help deepen the meaning and value of local for the course. Some might wonder whether creativity can be taught from the writer: rather than finding inspiration abroad, get yourself to standalone industries in Macao. One cannot make a viable living in productions. As yet, no one is able to open the door for film studies or not? This question is raised as we have seen too many novels study hard at the piano or desk breaking down the masterpieces, or Macao just from screenwriting. But it is important that students in in Macao. A comprehensive culture of film criticism will provide a and movies on geniuses that lead us to believe all artists are the sign up for a creativity course. These are effective ways of enhancing higher education should be given the exposure to all these aspects source of reference for future filmmakers and help broaden their “chosen ones”. If you have seen Stephen Chow's Flirting Scholar, you one’s creativity. But then of course, these methods might not be as of the industry. creative dimension. New filmmakers can draw on the works of their would have thought gifted scholars can come up with words for their “cool” as finding inspiration by travelling abroad. predecessors to help them move forward and not repeat mistakes. 34 Blogs #5 2015/05 #5 2015/05 Blogs 35

Ling Yap Lui Seow

A Hong Kong current affairs Choong journalist interested in Former publisher of Lonely travel and addicted to text Planet (China Office). Published works on travel and design, including Wander Bhutan and Myanmar Raising the Bar Shanghai Style Odyssey.

Not long ago on a Tuesday, Club 71 in Central was packed with interactive atmospheres. When I first arrived in Shanghai about a decade ago, locals didn’t talk Indonesian tycoon. The light and transparent structure is filled with people, with all eyes on an academic. Lokman Tsui, assistant professor much about design. In fact, this city that was once heralded as one his collections from around the world. Design buffs will recognise of School of Journalism and Communication at the Chinese University “Raising the Bar” is sponsored by Columbia University and New York of the most cosmopolitan cities in Asia was setting trends as early the architect of the museum as Sou Fujimoto. of Hong Kong, was giving a speech on the dying of the internet. He University. Participants need to sign up beforehand, but the event as the 1930s. The Huamei Building was ahead of its time, and Laszlo covered topics from the concept of the third space like the Parisian itself is free – all the participants have to pay is for their beer. Last Hudec designed many of the city’s memorable, modernist structures. Thanks to the completion of the Kerry Centre, the area in Jingan salons, to the monitoring and spying on the internet. The audiences April, 50 seminars were held at 50 venues in New York on one single I.M. Pei was inspired to become an architect thanks to the design District near Eileen Chang’s old home has become a popular hangout held beers in hands, and occasionally they would raise a question night, from upscale cellars to neighbourhood bars. It was sponsored of Shanghai’s buildings. And Eileen Chang, wasn’t she a clothing spot in Shanghai. Calypso restaurant in the Shangri-La Hotel offers and embark a discussion. by Time Out New York, and has attracted 6,000 participants. designer? She often sketched her own drafts, and then found the Mediterranean cuisine, but it is the restaurant’s decor that is more right materials for a tailor to make all those outfits that only Chang memorable. The wooden interior feels Asian or southern Chinese, At the same time, Chan Sze Chi, senior lecturer of Department of The event has expanded from New York to San Francisco, Hong Kong could carry with such style and grace. making heavy use of bamboo for the pillars and other intricate Religion and Philosophy at the Hong Kong Baptist University, was and Sydney, and the organisers are eyeing on Boston and London. decorations. The exterior walls and roof are built from glass, such sipping from a glass at Room Bar in Sheung Wan, talking about East They are even thinking of doing “flash schools” on subway trains and After more than half a century of near-silence, Shanghai is waking up that the structure feels transparent and light. On nice days, all the meeting West, a topic he has been delving into for years. On this turning bars into academic workshops, allowing them to apply for and dusting itself off. But with an illustrious past like that, Shanghai windows and roof can be opened, blurring the line between the particular night, ten academics were at different bars in Hong Kong, research funding. quickly returned to its former glory as a bustling international city. outside and inside. At night when the lights are on, the structure giving speeches whilst drinking. The event was called “Raising the Design-lovers will bound to be satisfied in Shanghai. When I went feels like a luminescent jewellery box. The architect is last year’s Bar”, a creative idea originated by a bunch of intellectuals in New York. In recent years, the western society is more open to carrying out back there for a visit in March, friends suggested I go to the Long Pritzker Architecture Prize winner Shigeru Ban. academic exchanges at places like bars and cafés. For instance, The Museum on the West Bund for a look. The museum is situated in a Universities have long been regarded as ivory towers. Some think Troubadour in London is a famous bar for poetry discussions, with great location, in Binjiang Park in Xuhui district. I used to go running Apart from world-famous architects, there is also a burgeoning scene that knowledge divides the society into different classes, enlarging events to write, read and even debate on related topics. University there frequently because of its beautiful environment and because it of local architects in Shanghai. Stylish and consumerist Shanghai economic differences. But the truth is, some scholars have been College London collaborates with the Bright Club and the bar would is so difficult to find quiet spaces in Shanghai. people are a natural source of inspiration and nutrients for architects. trying to bring knowledge into the community. Columbia University provide performance training for researchers so that they can present I like the design of Urban Tribe, which is simple yet elegant. The and New York University used to provide free lectures for the public, their research results in a lively and humorous way on stage, or even The Long Museum was founded by the controversial and wealthy owner is a friend I have known for a long time in Shanghai, who but it was not an easy task to bring people into the institutions, due at the Natural History Museum so as to attract more people to Chinese collector-couple Liu Yiqian and Wang Wei. The museum is scours the world for materials and inspiration, creating clothes that to an inferiority complex, or universities’ distant architecture style. pursuit tertiary education. The British Science Association has set filled with their collections amassed over the years, including some have a subtle Asian flavour. Another successful fashion brand is And so the ivory tower remains – the public was left feeling excluded. up the SciBar, a science school within a bar, to allow scientific of the world’s most expensive contemporary Chinese pieces. The Wang Yiyang’s Zuczug, which has stores in the malls of Shanghai and exchanges over beer. building was designed by one of the hottest firms in China right now, Beijing. His creations focus on cutting, and strive to be understated In view of this, a group of economists, writers, bankers, actors and Atelier Deshaus. The architects retained a 100 metre long structure but assertive at once. These two Shanghai designers’ creations are doctors initiated “Raising the Bar”, using neighbourhood bars as Hong Kong has also organised similar events at bars and night clubs, that was used to transport coal in the old days, and use a lot of bare never exaggerated and are extremely well-made, a rare thing in schools to share insights with the general public, making education a but only during the Hong Kong International Literary Festival, where concrete in their design of the museum, in a nod to the heritage China today. part of a city’s popular culture and turning profound academic topics renowned writers are invited to share writing experiences in bars in of the place. Nearby is the Yuz Museum, founded by Budi Tek, an into lively discussions. These include everything from anatomy, the Central. But so far it has not become a regular event that happens music genre of Fado to North Korea issues etc. Each session lasts 40 every week or month, not to mention becoming a “lifestyle” for Hong minutes, and the audiences feel freer to raise questions under such Kong people. 36 Blogs #5 2015/05

Ron Lam

Japan-based writer and traveller specialising in design, lifestyle and travel journalism. Ron previously served as an editor of MING Magazine, ELLE Decoration Japan’s Zines and CREAM.

Kage was a bookstore that I loved to go to when I was studying in and would only refer to clothing that she liked. Rather than focusing Kyoto. I wasn’t particularly interested in the music or gift section, on style, the zine was more interested in the material and feeling of but some shelves near the exit were stacked with piles of Japanese wearing the clothes. Even if it was a COMME des GARÇONS item, she magazines. I loved those the most. did not especially emphasise that. Ohashi later published Adult Style magazine, a publication aimed at readers in their 50s or older, and In Hong Kong, even when I couldn’t read Japanese, I still loved also released her own clothing line. Both these things were borne reading Japanese magazines. I thought I knew a lot about Japanese out of the original idea of starting a zine. magazines, but when I was in Kage or Keibunsha, I realised how little I knew. There are many independent zines in Japan, thin publications Another zine I like is Salvia, a 32-page publication about arts and with just a few dozen pages, stapled together crafts. Editor and founder Yurio Seki originally in A5 size. It was hard to find these anywhere worked in advertising. She quit as it was too except in independent bookstores. stressful and taking a toll on her health, and decided to take time to pursue something she One of the best-known of these is Arne, a zine loved instead. During her resting period, she published by graphic artist Ohashi Ayumi until did a lot of drawings, and started to develop 2009. When Ohashi created Arne in 2002, she an interest in handicrafts. She even created her was already 62. At the time, she wanted to find own handicraft brand, using her drawings as the an excuse to meet people she idolised, and brand image. Yurio established the brand Salvia decided to create a quarterly publication. She in 2001, collaborating with different Japanese said she would publish just 30 issues because craft makers to produce various household there was so much she wanted to accomplish in life that she had to items and clothing. Through the process, she learned a lot about set a finite lifespan for the zine to leave her time to do other things. craft-making. The process of turning an unremarkable material into a beautiful item deeply moved her. In 2006, she decided to create From the start, Ohashi took charge of all the photography and layout an eponymous zine called Salvia, as a record of her feelings on the for Arne. Trainer as a graphic designer, photography was still very process of making crafts. alien to her, but in the inaugural issue, she interviewed product designer Sori Yanagi carrying an amateurish point-and-shoot camera. We always hear about how the internet killed traditional publishing. In fact, the photos helped create a special feeling of closeness But sometimes, you can’t truly feel something unless it’s printed between the reader and Ohashi. The zine also explored topics such as on paper. Magazines won’t die, especially these heartfelt, original daily food and clothing in a down-to-earth manner. She did not talk creations that come straight from the heart of their creators. They about trendy or new restaurants, and never used the word “fashion”, will find a way to live.