WHO ARE WE
The Young Friends (YFS) of the Hong Kong Arts Festival (HKAF) is an integrated, multi-disciplinary arts education and audience development programme designed to enhance the appreciation of the performing arts among secondary and tertiary students, offering a unique opportunity for students to interact with some of the world’s top artists and ensembles featured in the HKAF programmes each year. Last year, an incredible 37,242 individuals attended Festival performances through the YFS, and of these, 10,314 from 185 different secondary schools and 36 tertiary institutions became YFS members.
Since 1992, with support from the Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fund, the YFS has produced an array of memorable arts education programmes, reaching out to 618,757 students, of which 109,243 became YFS members.
Since 1992, with support from the Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fund, the YFS has produced an array of memorable arts education programmes, reaching out to 618,757 students, of which 109,243 became YFS members.
| OUR SCHEME | Back To Top |
Full-time students of local secondary or tertiary schools, aged 25 or below, are eligible to apply for the YFS membership between September and November. The membership runs from September to August, allowing members to enjoy an all-round arts experience that is multi-disciplinary and interactive, enriching their knowledge of, and interest in, the arts:
| Festival Programmes (28/1 – 8/3/2012) |
Enjoy two Festival performance(s), rehearsal(s) or education special(s) such as the Bavarian State Opera’s Cosi Fan Tutte, The Sixteen’s Messiah, Charlie Haden Quartet West, or Show Flat etc.* |
*For details about the 40th Hong Kong Arts Festival programmes, please go to www.hk.artsfestival.org
| Multi-arts Experience | Join workshops, lecture demonstrations, masterclasses, pre- and post-performances talks, backstage tours, etc. |
| School-based Projects | Participate in arts activities with your teachers and schoolmates, as professional artists visit schools to teach you about the artistic process and help you develop your creativity. |
| Let’s Explore | Preparation adds to your enjoyment! Read the programme info, appreciation guide and venue info that are especially written for you. |
| Let’s Blog | Entries written by YFS members, YFS Alumni, YFS Volunteers, and feature articles from artists and teachers |
| Discounts and Benefits | Explore more opportunities to connect with the arts as you enjoy free or discounted benefits offered by various companies and arts groups. Plus other special offers are available when purchasing books, stationery, music scores and music instruments. |
| Arts Diary Cover Design Competition | Create cover designs for the Arts Diary to win a $500 book coupon and get your winning design printed and distributed to YFS members. |
| YFS Volunteer | Get involved behind-the-scenes with the YFS team in promotion and publicity, programme coordination and administration to gain valuable work experience. |
As a conclusion to the year-round membership, outstanding YFS members and top participating schools are invited to the Outstanding YFS Prize Presentation Ceremony as they are rewarded for their contributions and are invited to the Festival performance following the ceremony.
Communication between the YFS and members is being enhanced through online platforms:
| YFS E-news | Latest updates about YFS activities, arts news and advice. |
| YFS Facebook Page | A place to share Festival experiences and meet new friends. |
Many of our YFS members pursue their love of the arts even though they are no longer eligible to renew their membership. If you are one of them and would like to reconnect with us, join as a YFS Alumni - this life-long membership will allow you to enjoy special offers, to participate in our activities, and to receive regular updates of the arts scene.
| Activity Recap | Back To Top |
It has been 20 years since the YFS first connected young people to the performing arts! Were you involved? Check below to recap highlights of past YFS activities:
 Artists Stories |
Festival PLUS Activities |
|
||
| School Tour |
Arts Management Tours |
|||
| The Artists-in-Residence Projects |
Summer Workshops |
