First HKETONY Yale-China Arts Fellows announced (with photos)
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     Two Hong Kong artists Parry Ling, a relational artist, and Yang Hao, a contemporary dancer, have been chosen after a scrupulous selection process as the first "HKETONY Arts Fellows of the Yale-China Arts Fellowship". In January 2015, they will embark on a six-month residency programme at Yale University in Connecticut.

     This inaugural scheme is supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY) and administered by the Yale-China Association. The two artists will learn from practicing artists and professors at Yale University and in Kentucky while developing a project of their own. After the residency period ends, they will return to Hong Kong to develop their arts/dance projects for 12 months. They will present their work at the International Festival of Arts and Ideas at Yale in June 2016.

     The Director of the HKETONY, Mr Steve Barclay, said he was pleased with the partnership with the prestigious Yale-China Association in bringing over two young and promising artists from Hong Kong.

     "They will be able to develop new insights and enrich their artistry through comprehensive and tailor-made residency and visit programmes in Yale University and in Kentucky, and contribute to the arts and cultural scene in our home city," said Mr Barclay.

     "With Hong Kong's emerging status as an international arts and cultural hub, coupled with the development of West Kowloon, I hope that this partnership will bear fruit and foster stronger cultural ties between Hong Kong and the US in the years to come," he added.

     Parry Ling is a Hong Kong-based relational artist. He is a graduate of the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Baptist University. Mr Ling has received awards and exhibited multiple works, including video installations, performance art, and other visual art in Hong Kong. Mr Ling is teaching in the Academy of Visual Arts at the Hong Kong Baptist University. His works explore topics such as social identity, politics and the environment.

     Yang Hao is a contemporary dancer based in Hong Kong. He studied at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. In addition to teaching dance in Hong Kong, Mr Yang has also toured with different companies, including City Contemporary Dance Company of Hong Kong. Most recently, he has choreographed "Out Spoken" (2014) at the Hong Kong Arts Festival and "Nothing...but something" (2014) with Alice Rensy.

     On November 20, Mr Barclay talked to faculty members and students as part of the Yale-China Fireside Chats series. He updated the attendees on Hong Kong's developments in economic and political arena, and highlighted the tremendous study and job opportunities in the city.

Ends/Friday, November 21, 2014
Issued at HKT 23:55

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