Tam On-ki and her teammates' artworks focus on the historic district of Sham Shui Po.The contrasts were highlighted by Tak Nga Secondary School. The school won the Overall Champion (Secondary School Division) award in the 18 Districts ID Design Competition. The competition was part of the second Arts Ambassadors-in-school Scheme organised by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council.
"The wholesale cloth and accessories business is a cultural symbol of Sham Shui Po, and many workers live in the area," said Tam On-ki, leader of the champion team and Tak Nga Secondary School's arts ambassador. "So our artworks featured lots of cloth and lace, and a wooden cart."
On-ki and three schoolmates designed a logo, a poster and a sculpture to symbolise the district. They spent a month developing their creative ideas by doing research online, walking around Sham Shui Po, visiting places they have never been and interviewing shop owners in the area.
Creating a sculpture was a new challenge for the Form Five students and the process of producing the various artworks was a testing one. "But our teachers gave us a lot of advice," On-ki said.
The team beat more than 90 competitors to win the award. The contest not only displayed their talents but also gave them the opportunity to learn more about the area where they live.
On-ki said she learned more than she had expected from the Arts Ambassadors-in-school Scheme.
She said she took part in various arts activities which were new to her, including a backstage tour of a theatre production at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and a creative workshop to learn the wonders of arts interaction.
"The activities inspired me and broadened my horizons," On-ki said.
"This valuable experience will benefit me throughout my life."
She also had the chance to share and exchange ideas with other arts ambassadors.
On-ki wants to be a jewellery designer, but she had reservations because she felt that the arts were underappreciated in Hong Kong.
But the scheme encouraged her - she realised there is support for the arts in the city.
As an arts ambassador, she is eager to help develop the arts in Hong Kong.
She also plans to promote art exhibitions and photography competitions at her school.