Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) presents the annual HKMU Creative Arts Graduation Show from 19 July to 28 July on its Jockey Club Campus and welcomes members of the public to visit. This year's Graduation Show, themed “Little Spark”, displays over 120 works created by 290 graduates of the HKMU Creative Arts programmes. Through a diverse range of formats, including animations, short films, interactive installations, photography, advertising campaigns and creative writing, the graduates explore themes such as cultural conservation, social care, mental health and family relations, showcasing their creativity and talent.

The opening ceremony held on 19 July was officiated by Acting Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Clarence Leung Wang-ching; Hong Kong Arts Development Council CEO Winsome Chow Wai-sum; and Leading Media Artist Kenny Wong Chi-chuen; together with HKMU Council Chairman Ir Dr Conrad Wong Tin-cheung; President Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing; Dean of the School of Arts and Social Sciences (A&SS) Prof. Charles Kwong Che-leung; Associate Dean Dr Rebecca Leung Mo-ling; Acting Head of Creative Arts Dr Shao Dong; the Graduation Show's Organising Committee Chairman Dr Ho Amic Garfield; and Student Organising Committee Chairman Wong Hau-sin.

Addressing the ceremony, Wong Hau-sin, the Graduation Show's Student Organising Committee Chairman, introduced the theme of this year's Show: “Little Spark”. The theme represents how graduates have unleashed their creativity and are now poised to shine in their respective fields of expertise, after four years of quality education and training at HKMU. “In this star-studded graduation show, the students' creativity has transformed their once pie-in-the-sky ideas into meteors that streak across the sky, making their artworks shine brightly in the dark night, leaving behind traces of light,” she said.

In his address, Acting Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Clarence Leung Wang-ching said the graduation show showcased the students' creations in various art fields and forms, impressing him with their talent and potential. He conveyed his wishes to the students, saying, “No matter how big your dreams are, as long as you keep a grateful heart, study hard and keep moving, I believe you will all be able to realise your dreams and achieve a remarkable career.”

The exhibited artworks were created by students from the five programmes in the Creative Arts Department of A&SS: “Creative Advertising and Media Design”, “Creative Writing and Film Arts”, “Animation and Visual Effects”, “Imaging Design and Digital Art”, and “Computing and Interactive Entertainment”. The annual Graduation Show, hosted by the Creative Arts Department, serves as not only a platform to showcase the students' learning outcomes, but also a demonstration of the students' creativity and passion for art to the public and the creative sector.

The works in this year's Graduation Exhibition covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Experiential Virtual-Reality Game “Walled Past”
  (By students in the Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Computing and Interactive Entertainment):
  The artwork is based on Kowloon Walled City, recreating its historical context and depicting its detailed living environment and interior architecture. From the perspective of historical and cultural conservation, the students have kept alive the collective memories of the Walled City's former residents, revisiting the disappeared folk history and cultural values. Through the work, the students aim to express their concern for preserving cultural heritage.
• Short Film “In My Memory”
  (By a student in the Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Creative Writing and Film Arts):
  This short film explores the theme of isolation, farewells and regret during the pandemic. The story follows the protagonist who is unable to return to Hong Kong to attend her grandfather's funeral due to the pandemic restrictions, which leaves her feeling deeply guilty. After the pandemic, she returns to Hong Kong to attend her grandfather's death anniversary ceremony and reminisces about cherished childhood moments spent with her grandfather. The film blends sad and heart-warming vignettes, as the student reflects on her relationships with family members.
• Immersive Artwork “War's Echo”
  (By students in the Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours in Imaging Design and Digital Art):
  This immersive installation utilises a 270-degree CAVE system and realistic scene rendering to present the cruelty and destruction of war. Through this immersive experience, the audience can viscerally witness the far-reaching legacy of armed conflict. The students behind the work reflected deeply on the ethics of war and humanitarianism. Their work demonstrates their empathy and humanitarian concern for those caught in the ravages of war and expresses a fervent wish for peace and conflict resolution.
• Animation “Beyond the Star”
  (By students in the Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours in Animation and Visual Effects):
  Student mental health has emerged as a pressing concern in recent years. This animated story focuses on the experience of a teenager grappling with mental stress stemming from academic pressure, peer relationships and teachers' expectations. It explores how the protagonist overcomes his fears and difficulties. The creators aim to promote greater public awareness of the mental health challenges faced by students and help alleviate their mental stress in various ways.

Admission to the Graduation Show is free. Members of the public are welcome to visit the Show. Details are as follows:
Date: 19 to 28 July 2024
Opening hours: 11 am to 8 pm
Venue: Jockey Club Campus, 81 Chung Hau Street, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon (Map)
Event website
Registration