As the general public is increasingly concerned about environmental protection and development, it is important to foster green consciousness among city dwellers.
Doing so on campus is an effective means to achieve this among the next generation and will help build a better, more environmentally friendly future for all of us.
The drawing competition held as part of the Go Green @ School campaign last year received tremendous support from teachers and students. This year, with HSBC Insurance’s unwavering support, the Hong Kong Arts Centre has collaborated with the Hong Kong Institute of Aesthetic Education and Times Square to initiate a campaign that introduces another form of arts – FOTOMO – which promotes green campuses through creativity.
FOTOMO, a word derived from ‘Fotografie’ (‘Photograph’ in German) and ‘Model’, is a unique form of art combining the fine detailed realism of photography with the physical presence of a model with three-dimensional qualities. Kimio Itozaki, who has been developing this clever technique for some time, has also developed cardboard cut-out models that enhance the FOTOMO experience. The Go Green @ School FOTOMO competition aims to educate and strengthen local students’ perception about environmental issues, encouraging students to portray an energetic and caring green campus and community through their creativity and imagination, and to express their vision of green living.
Prior to the competition, more than 30 workshops were organised in 15 primary schools (including schools providing special education) with more than 450students taking part. In addition, two family workshops were organised in December 2010 and February 2011 at the Hong Kong Central Library and the HKICC Lee Shau Kee School of Creativity respectively. These workshops inspired participants to use creativity, colours and images to examine and express their feelings about green campuses and encourage them to spread green messages.
The judging panel selected 18 winners out of over 50 entries for the competition. The Salvation Army Ann Wyllie Memorial School, Fukien Secondary School Affiliated School and C.C.C. Mong Kok Church Kai Oi School were awarded the first, second and third prize respectively. Winning schools will be sponsored by HSBC Insurance in laying eco-blocks to improve air quality on campus. Best Eco-minded Award, Best Creativity Award, Best Presentation Award, Best Style Award, Best Team Award and ten Merit Awards were also presented at the competition.
Winning and outstanding works are being showcased during May 23-29 at the Covered Piazza of Times Square.
Mr. Robert Lang, Managing Director, Insurance Businesses Hong Kong, HSBC Insurance (Asia) Ltd. said, "As part of HSBC Group, HSBC Insurance is committed to sustainable development. We believe everyone in the community has a role to play in creating a better environment, and it is crucial to generate greater awareness about our responsibility to sustainability especially among the youth. Last year, the Go Green @ School programme sponsored the use of 'eco-blocks' to minimise our carbon footprint and improve air quality. This has already benefited over 3,000 students and 200 teachers in our community. We are pleased to continue sponsoring the programme this year to further promote the idea of going green in schools."
Connie Lam, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Arts Centre, said, “To inspire the imagination and creativity of participants in expressing their concepts of a green campus through a unique photo model, the Hong Kong Arts Centre and the Hong Kong Institute of Aesthetic Education organised Go Green @ School workshops. Through this integrated arts programme, we hope to inspire the participants and share with them the joy and sense of fulfillment gained from creating using different activities involving visual, audio, sensation and movement.”
The third stage of the Eco-blocks for Eco-schools project will continue to spread green messages through the Go Green @ School competition. Winning schools will be sponsored by HSBC Insurance in laying eco-blocks to improve air quality on campus.
Go Green @ School FOTOMO Competition
Main sponsor: HSBC Insurance
Organizer: The Hong Kong Arts Centre
Co-organizer: The Hong Kong Institute of Aesthetic Education
Supported by: Times Square
Printing Sponsor: Fuji Xerox (Hong Kong) Ltd.
Technical Advisor: TioStone Environmental Limited
Media partner: Hong Kong Economic Times
