Brenda Chan Kwai-Fun, a prominent actor in Hong Kong, is set to launch the Hong Kong Creative Aging Arts Festival (HKCAAF) from September 25 to October 6, 2024. This festival aims to showcase the talents of over 100 artists aged 55 and older, providing a platform for elder artists to express their creativity and engage with the community [e319ecf1].
The festival will feature a variety of performances and exhibitions, culminating in a closing show titled 'Whispers of Life.' This particular event will address the challenges faced by the elderly in Hong Kong, highlighting issues such as isolation and societal neglect [e319ecf1].
British director Alan Lyddiard, who is involved in the festival, advocates for diversity in theatre and emphasizes the importance of including older artists in the cultural narrative. He believes that their experiences and perspectives are invaluable to the arts community [e319ecf1].
In a parallel effort to support the elderly, Kenneth Choi Man-kin has transformed Gingko House into a catering business focused on providing jobs for seniors. The enterprise employs over 300 staff, with an average age of 68, and operates six branches, an organic farm, and a commercial bakery [94b8cf2e].
Choi has been shortlisted for the Spirit of Hong Kong Awards in entrepreneurship for his initiatives, including the 'Love Project,' launched in 2016, which sells mooncakes made by elderly workers and distributes them to seniors in need. The bakery produces over 80,000 mooncakes annually and aims to install vending machines in low-income areas for 24/7 access to food [94b8cf2e].
The HKCAAF will take place at the Jockey Club Creative Centre in Shek Kip Mei, aiming to encourage community reintegration and foster a greater appreciation for the contributions of senior artists within society [e319ecf1]. This initiative comes at a time when the importance of inclusivity in the arts is increasingly recognized, and it seeks to challenge the stereotype that seniors are merely waiting to die, instead celebrating their vibrant contributions to culture and the arts [e319ecf1].
As Hong Kong continues to embrace its diverse cultural landscape, events like the HKCAAF and social enterprises like Gingko House play crucial roles in promoting awareness and appreciation for the talents of elder artists and workers, ensuring their voices are heard and valued in the community [e319ecf1][94b8cf2e].