This page describes and documents the process and progress of this project.
Idea & Rationale for the project
After reading the website: Art Making Change.org which categorized socially engaged art into four easy-to-understand sections (Change based, Issue based, Place based and Who based) I wanted to pursue an idea that I have had for some time; Offering art workshops to those who rarely have access to art. For example: Domestic workers and those living below the poverty line.
I am a resident of Sai Kung and have lived there for 12 years. There are many art studios offering classes to children and adults, but these are often expensive.
I believe that art is extremely beneficial. Physically, mentally and spiritually. [ref needed]. Yet, this benefit is often only available to those who can afford it.
I would like to change this.
I am targeting domestic helpers from a practical level - I don’t speak Cantonese so cannot offer workshops in Chinese. Also I feel strongly that the domestic workers are often an overlooked group in society.
STEP 1: Find out if there is interest for art workshops in the helper community
I didn’t want to make any assumptions and try to create workshops for people who are not there or have no interest.
Using facebook and local shops I put this flyer out one weekend in September.
The response was big!
There was clearly an interest.
Step 2: Figure out logistics
With over 50 responses I had to figure out logistics such as:
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Locations
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Dates
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What sort of activities participants might want
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A booking system that would be fair
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Ways to communicate details of workshops
Step 3: Connecting and Communicating with the community
Created a facebook page
Considered various names:
All About Art
Heart & Hand
Finally went with:
Art Connections Hong Kong
This communicates what I want to achieve.
Not just art, but bringing people together through learning and art making.
Facebook Page
One aspect that surprised me is how supportive the Sai Kung community were:
People also offered to help - I took them up on their offers and started meeting with them the following week.
Logo I created for my page
Response from Sai Kung Community
Step 4: Finding venues in Sai Kung
First success: Ensemble Co-Creating space in Sai Kung.
Small room with tables & chairs (also kitchen). In Sai Kung town, convenient location.
Free! 8.00am - 10.00am
HK$700 10.00am - 8.00pm
Private Clubs - Victoria Recreation Centre and the Hive
Not available to non-members during weekends. :(
Churches and Sai Kung community centre: No response
The Leisure Dept. Sea Scout centre: have to book 4 months in advance. Possibility for larger group next year.
Frustratingly the Community Centre in Sai Kung is closed on Sundays!
HKBU - Kai Tak Campus. I can book a room where we could do some more messy work like acrylic painting.
Unfortunately, due to political unrest in Hong Kong, I have not been able to do this yet. Maybe in 2020 this will be possible.
Schools in Sai Kung - I will approach schools to see if we could use their classrooms or art rooms.
Ensemble Co-Creating Space, Sai Kung
Step 5: Partners on board!
Meeting with Blanche who is interested in helping out. Background in design and fashion. Great for future workshops. Discussions on how to source materials. Keep it simple to begin with. Use the materials we already have.
Meeting with Melanie, yoga instructor. Joint yoga & art workshops.
In the calendar - Art & Yoga in my garden. November 17th 2019. Since it will be in my house we will do this just by word of mouth so it’s people we know. Our helpers and their friends. Trial session.
Step 6: First event booked, advertised and planned
First event - using Eventbrite to book. Sold out!
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Brainstorming - Ideas for activities for workshops
Decided:
Zentangles.
Minimal equipment (paper and pens).
No pressure to ‘get it right’ ‘make it look real’
Easy to do at home.
Endless variations
Can take it home
First Workshop - 27th October
Successful. Some came from a long way! Due to travel distances and the early start we didn't really begin until 8.30am.
Everyone seemed to enjoy. The atmosphere was very relaxed. I got a chance to chat with the participants. Three ladies are part of an art group for domestic workers. Would be interesting to collaborate with them in the future.
I did a small survey of what art people want:
Photography, cooking, guitar and painting are popular.
Step 7: Second Workshop 3rd November
Tried a new location and approach - public space.
Only one person came, but she really enjoyed.
Possible problems:
Poor choice of location and time. 1.00pm people are eating lunch.
Maybe a place with more foot traffic?
Step 8: Third Workshop 10th November
No one came! Disappointing but an important learning moment.
Possible problems:
8.00am - too early
No clear topic??
Not advertised well enough?
Step 9: Meeting with domestic worker 12th November
Following from the low turnout / no show of last two workshops I met with a helper I have known for a few years. She came to the first workshop and is interested in joining others. I was able to ask her for her thoughts and help in how to get more people to the workshops. We also discussed terminology when referring to domestic helpers.
Possible solutions:
* Use the term "Kasambahay" in advertising. This is a tagalog word which means 'domestic worker' (not helper), though it literally means "house mate".
This will be more eye-catching and hopefully connect with my target audience. (Though it may only reach the Filipino community and not the Indonesian community
* Have workshops after lunch. 2.00pm is ideal. That is when people get bored.
* Put flyers in Filipino shops in Sai Kung.
* Send flyer to helpers I know so they can share with their friends.
* Use the TNG app to collect payment. This is an app that many helpers use.
BIGGEST TAKEAWAY FROM OUR MEETING:
The most valuable insight was learning more about why domestic workers may want to do art. Sometimes workers get bored, so it is a way to pass the time on their day off. Also, for some it is the challenge of doing something new. Doing housework all day is mundane - engaging in a new, challenging activity is a way to stimulate body and mind.
It is also something to show their children who are home without them in the Philippines "Look what Mummy is doing! I am doing new things, you can too!" It is a way to stay connected with their children.
Finally it is a way to show their employers and employers' children that they are more than simply a domestic worker. They can do more than simply cook and clean. It can give the workers a greater sense of self worth and positive identity. This is the power of art (and many other activities).
We discussed the possibility of having an exhibition of artwork made by domestic workers. This could be something to encourage participation in the workshops.
New Flyer
TNG Wallet app for easier payment
No More Eventbrite
Using this was problematic as it requires a credit card to book and pay for events. Many helpers do not have a credit card so I'm using FaceBook only for event management as most helpers seem to be on FaceBook.
Step 9: Fourth Workshop 17th November Art & Yoga in the Garden
This was done with Melissa, a yoga teacher who had reached out offering to collaborate with me. As we needed space, we decided to host it in my garden. Due to the private nature of the location we did not advertise this to the wider public, but went with word of mouth. Our helpers and their friends.
It was a lovely morning. We had a total of 8 participants. Many had not done yoga before and really felt the benefits. For the art, I did mandala weaving (no paper blowing away) which the participants seemed to enjoy. It's a very meditative activity so matches well with yoga.
The day was so popular we've been asked to host another one! We are planning for 8th December if the weather holds.
Generous donations!
I received 15 paint palettes from two different people as a donation towards Art Connections Workshops for Helpers.
Ongoing concerns - 21st November
How to get participants to attend the workshops?
I'm worried that I will have very few participants for the upcoming workshop on Sunday 24th.
I'm trying a later time - afternoon. But this means I have had to pay HK$700 to hire the space. I am charging HK$50 per person to cover those costs. I need 14 participants to break even.
Although the aim of this is not to make money, I don't want to lose money either.
I will continue to promote locally. Hopefully this will help.
If the turnout is very low I need to reconsider the project.
Am I offering something that people don't actually, really want? IS THIS PROJECT WORTH PURSUING?
How can I reach the people that DO want to do art?
How can I offer workshops that people are interested in?
Possibly the root of solving these issues may lie in building a sense of community first, then bring in the art?
If so - how can I reach out to the community??
Step 10: Fifth Workshop 24th November Painting Workshop
We had 4 participants and after some technique demonstrations we spent some time making landscape paintings. The ladies enjoyed and once again it was a relaxed atmosphere. However, it was a lower turnout than expected.
They seem keen for more, but I don't know if they will come back.
Possible problems:
Is HK$50 too much and off putting?
Is the weather too nice to be indoors?
Are people involved in other activities?
I will continue to explore and advertise.
Step 10: Sixth Workshop 1st December Painting Workshop
We had 6 participants and after some technique demonstrations we spent some time making landscape paintings. The ladies enjoyed and once again it was a relaxed atmosphere. The turnout was what I expected. Most were from Sai Kung and knew each other which contributed to a relaxed atmosphere. We played music which also helped. They seem keen for more, but I don't know if they will come back.
At the end of the session I was able to ask them some questions regarding cost, advertising and what kind of art they would like. Here is what we established:
Cost - They are happy to pay up to HK$100 for a 3 hour workshop with all materials provided. They understand that painting equipment can be costly so are hapy to pay.
Advertising - Facebook is working, particularly the Kuhit Gulay page - a page for Filippino domestic workers and artists. Also Sai Kung Helpers for Helpers page is a good place to advertise.
What art activities - They are interested in learning more - mandalas, journalling, photography and crafts were identified as activities I could offer in the future.
How often? If I can offer every week it will allow people to come when they can. Helpers are not always in control of their working hours. Knowing that if they miss this week, they can come the following week is good.
Timing - After lunch is definitely better. After church and after lunch.
Areas to develop:
How to reach the Indonesian community? Language might be a barrier as they tend to speak Bahasa and Cantonese. I will translate the advertising into Bahasa (I have a friend from Indonesia).
How to encourage more people to come?
Option - bring a friend and get a discount - eg come by yourself pay HK$50, Come as a pair, pay HK$80 for two.
Another option - pay in advance HK$50, pay on the door HK$60.
