In Policy Address 2021, the industry and the whole community are reminded to ride on the ARTS TECH. There are many opportunities created locally and globally. Given the objective is spelled out clear and loud by our HKSAR government, there are hitherto contents to be filled, soft power to be nurtured.
ARTS TECH ABC (2-day fast track course) is offering an entry pass to this special territory. At the same time, opening the door to future development with insights being shared by the famed industry professionals and artists in the field.
ARTS TECH ABC provides a broad yet specific introduction of Arts & Tech with illustration of success stories in the industry looking into potential applications on various fronts. In particular, the world leading audio design and system building company, d&b audiotechnik will showcase their latest immersive audio technology packed with practical workshops and local and international cases.
ARTS TECH ABC will take place in the Studio Theatre of HK Cultural Centre where the full technical set up provides another layer of understanding and appreciation of the application aspect of Arts and Tech.
The event is free-of-charge and welcomes all. Priority will be given to The Tao of Fashion ticket holders, & practitioners and students related to Art & Tech industries. Mainly in Cantonese; Overseas case and Keynote will be conducted in English; No simultaneous interpretation service provided
Co-presented by Zuni Icosahedron, d&b audiotechnik, Department of Information Technology, Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE) and Hong Kong Design Institute.
11.23 10:00-11:15
Speakers: Ms. Helen So (Lead, Arts & Culture, Our Hong Kong Foundation), Mr. Andre Kwok (Founder and Chairman of the Board, Good City Foundation)
Helen So led the arts team in generating Hong Kong’s first policy recommendation paper on the topic of ‘arts tech’. Since the launch in 2020, ‘arts tech’ development appeared on the Policy Address and is currently being implemented via new policies specific to furthering the convergence of arts, and technology sectors, spanning across policy arenas such as funding, infrastructural, and capacity building. Based on the groundwork laid from the last Arts Tech report, Helen will in this session, analyse how Arts Tech goes plus (Arts Tech+) – exploring next steps and considerations for Hong Kong, especially as an alleged new cultural bureau loom ahead. Andre Kwok offers a deep dive into how Arts Tech can manifest in the realms of public policy and shares his experience working with the Indonesian government as real-life case study.
Helen So leads the Arts Innovation team in policy research and advocacy at Our Hong Kong Foundation, the largest public policy thinktank in Hong Kong. Her team’s policy recommendation proposal on the topic of Arts Tech was Hong Kong’s first-of-the-kind to actively call to action the arts and technology sectors to work together. Helen’s public service includes various advisory roles appointed by the Hong Kong Government: she currently serves as Member of the Advisory Committee on Arts Development, and Member of the Museum Advisory Committee. She is also Director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum Board under the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority. Ms So holds a Master of Studies (MSt) in Musicology & Ethnomusicology at St. Catherine’s College, University of Oxford. She is a cellist and continues to perform today.
Andre has been on an entrepreneur journey ever since 2012 in emerging Southeast Asia, as the Founder of Good City Foundation, a non-profit organisation basing in Hong Kong, Bandung, Manila and Bangkok, curating summits and development programs with city governments in Southeast Asia and Africa in domains such as urban development, food, fintech, governance and policy, building network of emerging cities in Asia and Africa through established Emerging Future Cities Network, both public and private sectors. Good City Foundation is currently a member of the Private Sector Committee of ASEAN Smart Cities Network and (Non-Profit) Institutional Partner of G20 Global Smart Cities Alliance.
11.23 11:35-12:50
Speakers: Ms. Helen So (Lead, Arts & Culture, Our Hong Kong Foundation), Mr. George Huang (Managing Director, IOIO Creative)
In this dialogue session, George Huang and Helen So converses about how Arts Tech is applied into modern day life, in the realms of creative processes, public spaces, in education and mass communication generally. To what extent can these Arts Tech applications lead to greater social impacts? To get closer in finding an answer to this question, George speaks about how he uses Arts Tech to solve the transmedia, transdisciplinary work he does, while Helen as facilitator draws relevant insights applicable to Hong Kong while asking the right and relevant questions.
Helen So leads the Arts Innovation team in policy research and advocacy at Our Hong Kong Foundation, the largest public policy thinktank in Hong Kong. Her team’s policy recommendation proposal on the topic of Arts Tech was Hong Kong’s first-of-the-kind to actively call to action the arts and technology sectors to work together. Helen’s public service includes various advisory roles appointed by the Hong Kong Government: she currently serves as Member of the Advisory Committee on Arts Development, and Member of the Museum Advisory Committee. She is also Director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum Board under the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority. Ms So holds a Master of Studies (MSt) in Musicology & Ethnomusicology at St. Catherine’s College, University of Oxford. She is a cellist and continues to perform today.
Huang George is a serial entrepreneur with a focus on experience creation and technology empowerment in Hong Kong and the US. He is the co-founder of IOIO Creative and is a key contributor to the company’s strategy and artistry. With cross-media as his scope and playfulness at the heart of the experience, he finds out how far humanity can go.
11.23 14:30-15:00
Speaker: Dr. Pascale Fung (Professor, Department of Electronic & Computer Engineering, HKUST & Director, the Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research (CAiRE), HKUST)
During the past few years AI and deep learning has been popularised by availability of Big Data and cheap GPUs allowing machines to automatically learn hierarchical feature representations. AI is used for tasks like speech recognition, computer vision, machine translation, dialog systems or chatbots. But can AI be applied to art? There have been several attempts to use deep learning in computer vision to produce symbolic images such as pictures created by Deep Dream neural network. More recently AI has been used for plot and movie generation or as a part of art installations.
In this short lecture prof. Pascale Fung will challenge the notion of creativity as a human trait by presenting some of the groundbreaking research on AI and art that was created with collaboration with Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing.
Dr. Pascale Fung is a Professor in the Department of Electronic & Computer Engineering at the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology. She is an elected Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) for her “contributions to human-machine interactions” and an elected Fellow of the International Speech Communication Association for “fundamental contributions to the interdisciplinary area of spoken language human-machine interactions”.
She is keenly interested in promoting AI research for the betterment of the humanity, including AI for art and design. She is a partner in the Partnership on AI and an expert member of the Global Future Council on Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, a think tank of the World Economic Forum. She is keenly interested in using AI for art and design. Her mother is an alumnus of the Central Academy of Fine Art in Beijing, China.
Prof. Fung is an Outstanding Women Professionals awardee in 2017 and a Woman of Hope awardee in 2014. Prof. Fung received her PhD in Computer Science from Columbia University in 1997. And she is a fluent speaker of seven European and Asian languages.
11.23 15:00-16:00
Speakers: Mr. Mathias Woo (Co-Artistic Director, Zuni Icosahedron & Chief Curator, Z Innovation Lab), Mr. Law Kwok-ho (Deputy Head, Department of Information Technology, HKIVE)
Theatre comes with “Art” and “Technology”. From lighting with candle in accent times to the high-resolution projection equipment nowadays, the theatre has been a laboratory for Arts Tech. Mathias Woo Arts Tech Fashion Theatre The Tao of Fashion utilises technologies such as motion capture and digital puppet to present an Arts Tech Fashion Show. Speakers will demonstrate the application of art tech in theatre with an excerpt of the show.
Mathias Woo is a pioneer in cross-boundary and multi-media theatre who studied architecture; he is a scriptwriter, director, designer, producer, art educationist, cultural policy critic as well as curator with a portfolio of more than seventy original theatre works, which have been invited to over twenty cities around the globe and major cities China. Since 2017, Woo curated and designed the Z Innovation Lab that focused on integrating the latest stage technology and innovative ideas. In 2020, Z Innovation Lab 2019 garnered the Red Dot Award under Brand & Communication Design Section.
Senior Lecturer at the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education and is dedicated to the training of multimedia and behind-the-scenes technical personnel. MSc in Multimedia and Entertainment Technology from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Graduated from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts with a bachelor’s degree in Sound Design and Music Recording from the School of Technical Arts and School of Film and Television. Former Chairman of the Hong Kong Association of Theatre Technicians & Scenographers (2012-2016), Law produced a number of large-scale productions and exhibitions including “Hong Kong Theatre Design Exhibition—Parallel Space”, “Prague Quadrennial — Hong Kong Region”, and Published Back to Back in Black about the productions behind-the-scene. He is a board of director of the Hong Kong Federation of Drama Societies and an external examiner of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council.
11.23 16:30-17:30
Speaker: Mr. Steve Jones (Head of Education & Application Support (EAS), d&b audiotechnik, EMEA), Mr. Simon Kenning (Global Segment Manager Performing Arts, d&b audiotechnik)
Sound technology acts an important role in modern performing arts venues. How does it work in a historical concert hall? In 2019, the German audio technology company d&b audiotechnik installed a brand-new audio system at London’s Royal Albert Hall constructed in 1871, further improving the audience’s hearing experience. Speakers will share with us online about the entire project.
d&b provides professional audio solutions to accurately transfer passions through high-end quality speech and music reproduction. d&b is internationally regarded as a leading company for sound reinforcement systems in installed and mobile applications, with a reputation for quality of construction, standard of service, system integration principles, and pioneering technological development. Founded in Germany in 1981, d&b headquarters is located in Backnang, near Stuttgart, where research, development and production take place. Together with branch offices worldwide, the d&b team numbers more than 500 co-workers.
Steve started life with the aim of being a professional drummer, but failed, so got into live sound instead. After graduating from Derby University, he moved from a cable man at TMC in Bradford, UK, to running their small but growing hire department. Steve joined d&b audiotechnik in 2007 as the UK’s technical support contact. He now leads the EMEA teams sound system design and commissioning along with training partners and end users … whilst still trying to deal with the fact that he’s actually just a failed drummer. Recent projects include The Royal Albert Hall, Wembley Stadium, many West End and Broadway shows and the recent Bjork Cornucopia Soundscape Tour.
Simon joined d&b audiotechnik in 2018, focuses on the company’s installation projects in Performing Arts venues such as Theatres, Concert Halls and rehearsal facilities, and the international recognised markets of London West End and Broadway musicals. Graduated from The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Simon’s career in Performing Arts spans nearly 25 years. Before d&b, he worked as a Freelance Sound Engineer, joined Stage Electrics then thereafter for Roland Corporation and gained experience. Simon has specified and supplied professional audio products to numerous Performing Arts Venues, educational facilities, broadcasters and rental production companies.
11.24 10:00-10:30
Speakers: Mr. Daniel Chan (CEO, d&b audiotechnik Greater China), Mr. Chi Wai Chan (Director, Education & Application Support (EAS), d&b audiotechnik Greater China)
Daniel Chan, CEO of d&b audiotechnik Greater China, and his colleague will introduce the establishment and achievements of the company in China, including in the Greater Bay Area. They will also share their insights on education for sound future and sustainability.
Daniel enters audio industry since 1989. Prior to joining the d&b audiotechnik world, he continued his career in different profound audio companies including Sennheiser China and TC Electronic, which gave the opportunity of development in Greater China market for over 30 years. From his gaining success and experience, Daniel has a brand-new page and started his own business Sound Works & Supplies Ltd., which was the originate of d&b audiotechnik’s distribution. From 2018, he reaffirmed commitment to growth in APAC with new venture with d&b audiotechnik establishing a new subsidiary start d&b audiotechnik Greater China Ltd. The foundation of a subsidiary of d&b audiotechnik based in Hong Kong, with offices in Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai, to establish a comprehensive sales & aftersales service network, aimed to provide the best audio solutions for their professional audio needs.
Seasoned live mixing and monitor mixing engineer, dedicated over three decades in the professional audio industry. Worked with artists over China, Hong Kong and Taiwan: Priscilla Chan, Aaron Kwok, Andy Hui, William So, Jeff Chang, Gary Chaw, Hacken Lee, Joey Yung, Modern Brother, Leo Ku, Ekin Cheng, Jordan Chan, Twins, Raymond Lam. Joined d&b Greater China for over 10 years and fueled the team up with passion and rich experiences. Participated in audio system design, testing and support in large-scale events such as the ceremonies of the 60th and 70th anniversaries of the founding of People’s Republic of China, Another Eason’s Life Eason Chan concert (Beijing National Stadium), 2018 and 2019 China Jiangsu TV New Year’s Concert.
11.24 10:30-11:10
Speaker: Mr. Kelvin Yuen (Senior Engineer & Service Manager (EAS), d&b audiotechnik Greater China)
The speaker will introduce how software helps sound design simulation and point out which elements can advance art piece presentation. The session will also include the comparison between continuity and performance.
Worked on audio system design and installation, system tuning and testing and product after-sales services in an engineering company. Participated in projects including large scale theatres: Jockey Club Auditorium of Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Hong Kong City Hall, Tsuen Wan Town Hall, Studio Theatre of Hong Kong Cultural Centre; Audio system design of entertainment venues, bars, schools in Hong Kong and mainland China. Also dedicate in live audio mixing.
11.24 11:30-12:30
Speaker: Mr. Andy Fong (Senior Product Marketing Manager, Shure Asia Limited)
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 5G… acoustic transmission keeps up with the ever-changing technology, and different technologies have their own advantages. Andy from Shure, an audio equipment company, will introduce related technologies and new trends in the development of wireless microphones, as well as the application of stage microphones under the new trends.
Andy works as Senior Product Marketing Manager in Shure Asia Limited. He dedicated over a decade in the professional audio manufacturing industry. He is very experienced specifically on microphone and wireless microphone systems.
11.24 14:30-16:00
Speaker: Mr. Chi Wai Chan (Director, Education & Application Support (EAS), d&b audiotechnik Greater China), Mr. LC Fung (Senior Engineer, Education & Application Support (EAS), d&b audiotechnik Greater China), Mr. Yu Yat Yiu (Music Director of The Tao of Fashion)
From mono to stereo, sound localization has always been a subject of stage sound design. Speakers will introduce how the Soundscape system allows sound designers and audiences to create and experience an immersive sound experience; the session will also introduce software applications, including En-Scene (sound object position) with listening experience and En-Space (acoustic room emulation) with listening experience; and the comparison between Soundscape and Stereo, immersive and surround, etc.
Seasoned live mixing and monitor mixing engineer, dedicated over three decades in the professional audio industry. Worked with artists over China, Hong Kong and Taiwan: Priscilla Chan, Aaron Kwok, Andy Hui, William So, Jeff Chang, Gary Chaw, Hacken Lee, Joey Yung, Modern Brother, Leo Ku, Ekin Cheng, Jordan Chan, Twins, Raymond Lam. Joined d&b Greater China for over 10 years and fueled the team up with passion and rich experiences. Participated in audio system design, testing and support in large-scale events such as the ceremonies of the 60th and 70th anniversaries of the founding of People’s Republic of China, Another Eason’s Life Eason Chan concert (Beijing National Stadium), 2018 and 2019 China Jiangsu TV New Year’s Concert.
BFA (Honours) Degree in Theatre and Entertainment Arts, HKAPA, majoring in Sound Design. Garnered scholarships including the Grantham Scholarship, the Reaching Out Award under the HKSAR Government Scholarship Fund, Tom Lee Audio Engineering Scholarship during his undergrad years. Sound Designer for over 50 theatre works, short films, advertisements and more. Participated in live performances as live monitor mixing engineer, sound technician and other roles. Worked with artists including Jacky Cheung, Wong Fung, Yoga Lin, Ivana Wong.
Hong Konger. Geography major graduated from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, who has dedicated his life to music. He co-founded the music production company People Mountain People Sea with Anthony Wong in 1999. Yu has been composing and producing music for many Hong Kong pop singers such as Cass Phang, Anita Mui, Miriam Yeung, Juno Mak, etc. He was nominated twice for the Best Original Film Score in the Hong Kong Film Awards with music created for Hold You Tight and Prince of Tears. He also writes columns for Ming Pao Weekly, Milk X and am730, and his publications include Hong Kong Talks Music.
11.24 16:30-17:30
Speaker: Mr. Tateo Nakajima (Arup Fellow, Arts, Culture & Entertainment)
From theatres to concert halls, pop entertainment venues to visual realities, audio is critical to experience. As audiovisual technology continues to advance, users are able to be more deeply immersed in experiences than ever before. Mr. Tateo Nakajima, an Arup Fellow, an internationally recognized leader in design and planning of cultural venues and developments, a conductor and violinist, with his experience of working with major artists and arts organisations, including the National Forum of Music in Wroclaw, Poland, Tateo and his colleagues will share the insights on the trend of audio space.
Tateo Nakajima is an Arup Fellow, an internationally recognized leader in design and planning of cultural venues and developments, a conductor and violinist. Former Partner and Principal Designer of Artec Consultants Inc., with a particular focus on the acoustics, theatre functionality and audience experience of concert halls and theatres. Tateo is also a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and the Institute of Acoustics, has led many of the highest profile architecture and design practices with some of the most influential artists and musical ensembles. Projects include National Forum of Music (Wroclaw, Poland), North Jutland House of Music, (Aalborg, Denmark), Yokohama Theatre (Japan).