During February, I visited the JCCAC several times. My school joined a programme with JCCAC that some artists would present their works or art technique in the school lessons and we would bring the students to the centre to watch their studio or attend the art courses.
I visited the centre last years autumn. There were only a few workshops established and I just watched a photography exhibition (news photos). I also no interest to see the formal opening ceremony of the centre, even though it is very close to my school.
After the activities in February, I've changed my mind and attracted by the centre. It isn't a great building or no fascinating facilities in there, but it is a good place for the artists to create their work. There are some opened area for mini exhibitions and some tiny stages for performance. It is not extravagant but efficient. Some features of factory building were kept in the repairs. I think the architect intended to keep the mood and collective memory for the artists and the visitors.
Some may say that some flats are not used as studio or working place. Actually, some studios are used for exhibition or as a gallery. Inevitably, the original idea of establishment is diverged. I don't think there are so many artists don't have their own workshops. Before that, Fotan and Kwun Tong industrial buildings, old flats in Wanchai are good place for the studio. Some of my friends already have their workshop. Furthermore, Shek Kip Mei is not a cultural place. We can't see any public art and cultural centre nearby. (Only estate and school surrounding) How to construct the art atmosphere? The residents in Shek Kip Mei are poor and not well-educated. They may not use the leisure time to watch art. Many students don't visit museum or exhibition, except school force them to do so, how to promote art to public through this centre? By artist themselves? By the organization? Or by the building?
Some may complain that the centre is not used efficiently and waste resources. Some may say that it is a oasis of culture and revitalizing historic buildings. However, I do think it is a initial step for HK to develop our own art culture. More and more mass aware the significance of art and cultural life. More and more resources will be put into the cultural development. Even the centre is not well-planned and really valid, I think it is a nice place for the artists and the first-time visitors.
