Hong Kong's Performing Arts Academy Leads a Green Cultural Revolution

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) is pushing for a 'green revolution' in the local arts scene. Under the leadership of Academy Director Professor Anna CY Chan, the institution is blending sustainability with artistic training, heritage preservation, and industry innovation.

HKAPA has taken bold steps to redefine how the arts engage with environmental responsibility. The Academy has embedded the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into both its management and curriculum. From classroom teaching to venue construction, every stage of its operations now prioritises eco-conscious practices.

One of the Academy's key projects is the restoration of the historic Béthanie sanatorium. Originally built in the 19th century, the site has been transformed into a heritage campus dedicated to film and television training. The sanatorium's twelve apostle statues, once part of the original structure, were relocated to the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi in Sham Shui Po after the site was sold in 1974. Beyond physical restoration, HKAPA is fostering broader change. The institution recently hosted the first Hong Kong Culture and Sustainability Conference (CUSU), gathering experts to discuss sustainable development in the performing arts. Professor Chan has emphasised that artists must consider their environmental impact, urging the industry to adopt greener practices. The Academy's approach extends to education, where tradition, innovation, and sustainability are woven into training. Students explore the links between artistic creation and ecology, society, and the economy. By collaborating with different sectors, HKAPA is also shaping policies for talent development and cultural exchange. Through these efforts, the Academy aims to preserve Hong Kong's cultural legacy while driving progress in sustainable arts education.

HKAPA's initiatives mark a shift in how the arts address environmental challenges. By integrating sustainability into education, heritage projects, and industry discussions, the Academy is setting new standards. The goal is clear: to create a performing arts sector that balances creativity with ecological and social responsibility.