Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

Tertiary arts school in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

香港演藝學院

The Main Campus of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts in Wan Chai, Hong Kong in October 2018

Type| Public
Established| 1984; 41 years ago (1984)
Chairman| Mr. Charles Yang Chuen-liang BBS JP
Chancellor| John Lee Ka-chiu[1][2]
Director| Professor Anna CY Chan
Undergraduates| 790[3]
Postgraduates| 141[3]

Other students

| 1130[3]
Location|

No. 1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Campus| Urban
Website| www.hkapa.edu
Chinese name
Traditional Chinese| 香港演藝學院
Simplified Chinese| 香港演艺学院
| Transcriptions

Standard Mandarin
Hanyu Pinyin| Xiānggǎng Yǎnyì Xuéyuàn
Yue: Cantonese
Yale Romanization| Hēunggóng Yínngaih Hohkyuhn
Jyutping| Hoeng1gong2 Jin2ngai6 Hok6jyun2
Entrance in November 2007 Lobby in August 2016 Campus atrium in June 2008

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) is a provider of tertiary education in Hong Kong. Located near the north coast of Wan Chai on Hong Kong Island, the main campus also functions as a venue for performances. Bethanie, which is the site of the institution's Landmark Heritage Campus in Pok Fu Lam, has housed the School of Film and Television since 2007.

The Academy provides practice-based and professional diploma, advanced diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Chinese opera, dance, drama, film and television, music, and theatre and entertainment arts. Its educational policy reflects the cultural diversity of Hong Kong with an emphasis on Chinese and Western traditions and interdisciplinary learning. In the QS University Rankings announced in 2025, the Academy ranks top 20 in the Performing Arts category.

Every year, the Academy enrols approximately 750 students for its full-time programmes and around 770 students for its Junior Music Programme and Gifted Young Dancer Programme. Furthermore, its extensive EXCEL (Extension and Continuing Education for Life) programme offers part-time personal enrichment courses and in-service professional training to nearly 8,000 students each year.

## History

[edit]

In early 1981, the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club informed Governor Murray MacLehose that it was willing to fund another project of a comparable scale to its recent major undertakings, which included the Ocean Park and the Jubilee Sports Centre.[4] The government responded with a proposal to develop an academy for the performing arts.[4] The Academy would complement the performing arts spaces being opened across the territory by the Urban Council, and provide opportunities for creative youth just as the Jubilee Sports Centre was developed to serve young sportspeople.[5]

On 15 September 1981, the Jockey Club formally announced plans to build the Academy on a piece of vacant land in Wan Chai, granted by the government, between HMS Tamar and the Hong Kong Arts Centre.[4] The academy was established in 1984. In the early 1990s, the Academy became a degree-granting institution.

The main campus was designed by local firm Simon Kwan and Associates, who were among six firms invited to submit designs in a limited competition.[6][7] It comprises the Academy Block, the Theatre Block, and the Administration Block. The Administration Block was ready for occupation in July 1985.[8] The Academy Block was formally opened on 18 September 1985 by Governor Edward Youde. The Theatre Block was opened by the Duchess of Kent on 3 February 1986, the same day the inaugural opera season began as part of the 1986 Hong Kong Arts Festival.[8] The 1981 model produced for the architectural competition is now held by the M+ museum.[9]

In 2006 the Academy established a second campus at Béthanie in Pok Fu Lam. It mainly houses specialist facilities for the School of Film and Television.[10]

The original campus was designed for a student population of 600 students. The Academy has been facing space constraints as enrolment has gradually risen, prompting planning for campus expansion.[10] The 334 Scheme further exacerbated the problem.[10] In June 2012 the Legislative Council approved funding of $444.8 million for construction of a nine-storey annex block, and other campus improvements, presently under construction.[11] The expansion will house classrooms, studios, laboratories, music rooms, offices, workshops and support facilities.[10]

The Academy is working with the West Kowloon Cultural District on education plans and venue usage.[12]

## Governance

[edit]

The Academy is governed under The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts Ordinance, passed in 1984 by the Legislative Council. Under the legislation the academy is mandated to "foster and provide for training, education and research in the performing arts and related technical arts".[13] The governing body of the institution is called the Council of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, which is responsible for appointing a director, who oversees the day-to-day operation of the academy.

The Academy is funded through tuition fees as well as a subvention provided by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau. This arrangement differs from most other post-secondary institutions in the territory, which are funded by the University Grants Committee.

Kevin Thompson was director of the Academy from 2004 to 2012. During his tenure the institute forged international links, including arrangements with the Juilliard School in New York City as well as mainland colleges, and introduced master's degrees in performing arts disciplines. Thompson also initiated planning for campus expansion.[14] Professor Adrian Walter, was recruited in 2012. He had been the dean of music at the Australian National University in Canberra since 2008.[15] Professor Gillian Choa succeeded as the new director of the academy with effect from 1 January 2021. Professor Choa is the first female director since the establishment of the academy in 1984.

## Academic units

[edit]

The Academy offers academic programmes from diploma/foundation to master's degree level in six Schools:

* School of Chinese Opera
* School of Dance
* School of Drama
* School of Film and Television
* School of Music
* School of Theatre and Entertainment Arts

## Facilities

[edit]

* Lyric Theatre, with 1,181 seats.
* Rita Tong Liu Drama Theatre, with 415 seats.
* Concert Hall, with 382 seats.
* Recital Hall, with 134–202 seats
* Studio Theatre, with 120–240 seats
* Béthanie Theatre at the Béthanie Campus

## Notable alumni

[edit]

* Power Chan, Hong Kong television and film actor
* Sunny Chan, Hong Kong television and film actor
* Louis Cheung, Hong Kong Cantopop recording-artist, songwriter, and actor
* Rachel Cheung, Hong Kong pianist
* Cheung Tat-ming, Hong Kong actor, comedian, director, and writer
* Jim Chim, Hong Kong actor and comedian
* Candace Chong Mui Ngam, Hong Kong playwright
* Athena Chu, Hong Kong actress and singer
* Candy Chu, Hong Kong actress for the Hong Kong TVB television station
* Katy Kung, Hong Kong actress
* Gigi Lai, Hong Kong actress and Cantopop singer
* Joey Leung, Hong Kong actor
* Charmaine Li, actress with Television Broadcasts Limited
* Alan Mak, Hong Kong filmmaker
* Yan Yan Mak, award-winning Hong Kong director
* Marco Ngai, Hong Kong actor
* Kearen Pang, Hong Kong actress, writer
* Louisa So, Hong Kong actress in drama and TV series
* Sun Wai-Keung, Hong Kong stage and TV actor, "Best Actor" winner of the Hong Kong Drama Awards
* Gem Tang Zhi-kei, Hong Kong singer-songwriter and actress
* Anthony Wong, award-winning Hong Kong actor, screenwriter, and film director
* Wong Cho-lam, Hong Kong stage actor, stage director, and television actor
* Mandy Wong, Hong Kong television actress
* Tak Chiu Wong, Hong Kong saxophonist
* Neo Yau, Hong Kong actor
* Yvonne Yung, Hong Kong actress
* Rebecca Zhu, Hong Kong actress

## See also

[edit]

* Education in Hong Kong
* List of higher education institutions in Hong Kong
* List of buildings and structures in Hong Kong

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Ex-officio as the Chief Executive of Hong Kong
2. ^ "Governance". The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. Retrieved 14 February 2017.
3. ^ a b c "2013-2014 Annual Report" (PDF). Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 February 2017. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
4. ^ a b c Jim, McGrath (16 September 1981). "Jockey Club plans centre for the arts". South China Morning Post. p. 1.
5. ^ "Performing arts project 'timely'". South China Morning Post. 8 October 1981. p. 16.
6. ^ Hayhoe, Jane (2 March 1982). "Academy to hold four art schools". South China Morning Post. p. 10.
7. ^ "HK Academy for Performing Arts". Simon Kwan and Associates. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
8. ^ a b "Annual Report 1985-86" (PDF). Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. February 1987. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 December 2020. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
9. ^ "Competition Model, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts Building Design, Hong Kong". M+. West Kowloon Cultural District Authority. Archived from the original on 14 February 2017. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
10. ^ a b c d "Expansion and Improvement of Wanchai Campus of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts" (PDF). Legislative Council. 20 April 2012.
11. ^ "On-Campus Expansion (OCE)". Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts. Archived from the original on 12 March 2016. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
12. ^ Chow, Vivienne (16 December 2016). "Academy for Performing Arts to focus on employability and research". South China Morning Post.
13. ^ "The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts Ordinance". elegislation.gov.hk. Department of Justice. 1 July 1997. Retrieved 17 August 2019.
14. ^ Chow, Vivienne (18 August 2012). "Academy for Performing Arts chief Kevin Thompson speaks on leaving his post". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
15. ^ Chow, Vivienne (3 September 2012). "New chief Adrian Walter has big plans for HK Academy for Performing Arts". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 16 August 2019.Professor Gillian Choa succeeded Professor Adrian Walter as the new Director of the Academy with effect from 1 January 2021. She is the first female Director since the establishment of the Academy in 1984.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.

* Official website

* v
* t
* e

Wan Chai District

Main borders and locations

Areas|

* Causeway Bay
* Kellett Island
* Happy Valley
* Jardine's Lookout
* Mid Levels (part)
* Stubbs Road
* Tai Hang
* Tin Hau
* Wan Chai
* Wan Chai North
* Wong Nai Chung Gap

Education|

* Tang Shiu Kin Victoria Government Secondary School
* Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
* French International School of Hong Kong Blue Pool Road (HQ) and Jardine's Lookout
* Hong Kong Japanese School Primary school
* St. Paul's Convent School
* Wah Yan College, Hong Kong
* Marymount Primary School
* Sir Ellis Kadoorie (S) Primary School
* Hong Kong Central Library

| Closed|

* Hong Kong Sam Yuk Secondary School

|

Landmarks|

* Blue House
* Central Plaza
* China Resources Building
* Dorsett Wanchai Hong Kong Hotel
* Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
* The Excelsior
* Golden Bauhinia Square
* Great George Street
* Happy Valley Racecourse
* Fire Memorial
* Harbour Centre
* Australian Consulate-General
* Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
* Hong Kong Police Headquarters
* Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital
* Hopewell Centre
* Hotel Indigo Hong Kong Island
* Hysan Place
* Immigration Tower
* King Yin Lei
* Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple
* Lai Tak Tsuen
* Lee Garden
* Lee Garden One
* Lockhart Road
* Mount Cameron
* Mount Nicholson
* Mount Parish
* Nam Koo Terrace
* Novotel Century Hong Kong
* Old Wanchai Market Building
* Old Wan Chai Police Station
* Old Wan Chai Post Office
* Po Leung Kuk Museum
* QRE Plaza
* Queen's Road East
* Pacific Place Phase III
* Revenue Tower
* Ruttonjee Hospital
* Shui On Centre
* Southorn Playground
* Spring Garden Lane
* St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery
* Stubbs Road
* Sun Hung Kai Centre
* Times Square
* Tung Wah Eastern Hospital
* Victoria Park
* Wan Chai Heritage Trail
* Wanchai Tower
* Windsor House
* World Trade Centre Hong Kong

| Closed|

* Lee Tung Street

|

Transport|

| MTR stations|

* Causeway Bay
* Exhibition Centre station
* Tin Hau
* Wan Chai

|

Ferry|

* Wan Chai Pier

Society|

* Wan Chai District Council

This list is incomplete.

* v
* t
* e

Universities and colleges in Hong Kong

Public|

| Statutory|

* HKU
* CUHK
* HKUST
* Polytechnic
* City
* Baptist
* Lingnan
* Education
* Metropolitan
* Performing Arts

|

Vocational|

* Technological and Higher Education
* Vocational Education
* Design
* Higher and Professional Education
* Professional Education and Knowledge
* Chinese Culinary
* Maritime Services Training
* Youth
* Pro-Act

Private|

| Post-secondary|

* Saint Francis
* Centennial
* Chu Hai
* Gratia Christian
* Hang Seng
* Technology
* Nang Yan
* Shue Yan
* Tung Wah
* Wollongong

|

Sub-degree|

* Caritas Bianchi
* Caritas Community Education
* Art
* Technology
* Institute of Technology

Related|

* List of mainland Chinese schools reopened in Hong Kong

* Higher education in Hong Kong

* v
* t
* e

Schools of professional ballet

Europe|

* Académie Royale de Danse
* Central School of Ballet
* Royal Danish Ballet school
* Elmhurst Ballet School
* English National Ballet School
* John Cranko Schule
* La Scala Theatre Ballet School
* Lviv State Choreographic School
* Moscow State Academy of Choreography
* The National Ballet Academy of Amsterdam
* Perm State Choreographic College
* Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance
* Royal Ballet School
* Royal Swedish Ballet School
* Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet

Americas|

* Canada's National Ballet School
* Cuban National Ballet School
* Goh Ballet Academy
* Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School
* Kirov Academy of Ballet
* Pacific Northwest Ballet School
* The Rock School for Dance Education
* Royal Winnipeg Ballet School
* San Francisco Ballet School
* School of American Ballet

Other|

* Tokyo Ballet
* K-ballet
* Cairo Opera Ballet Company
* Higher Institute of Ballet
* Australian Ballet School
* Beijing Dance Academy
* Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
* The Music and Ballet School of Baghdad

22°16′49″N 114°10′10″E﻿ / ﻿22.28028°N 114.16944°E﻿ / 22.28028; 114.16944

Authority control databases

International|

* ISNI
* VIAF

National|

* United States

Geographic|

* MusicBrainz place

Other|

* Yale LUX

*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template