The Hong Kong 18 District Art Print Project

The Hong Kong 18 District Art Print Project Presentation Ceremony was successfully held on 23^rd May 2018 at the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) in Tseung Kwan O. This project is a collaborative project between The Hong Kong Printers Association (HKPA) and the Vocational Training Council (VTC) with the vision of developing and enhancing printing technology and generating interest in print, design and printing as a career choice.

Eighteen pieces of art was jointly created by sixteen students from Higher Diploma in Publication and Print Media of HKDI with help from their mentors. The students were given a brief to create art pieces highlighting the various landmarks and different urban landscapes featured in the eighteen districts. Each art piece is unique and reflects the beauty and local characteristics of Hong Kong through the eyes of the younger generation.

With industry efforts, the art pieces were printed using advanced technology print-on-demand and creatively converted to six albums of three dimensional displays that fully demonstrate the industry’s sophisticated printing processes and technical know-how. This project also coincides with the 20^th Anniversary of the return of Hong Kong, complementing the slogan 「同心創前路，掌握新機遇」Together ˙Progress˙ Opportunity. The Hong Kong Printing Association hopes to leave a beautiful commemoration for the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the public, which was presented on day to the 18 district councils’ representatives.

The officiating guests included:

• Edward Yau Tang-Wah, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Department
• Luo Jiang , Deputy Director of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong S.A.R.
• Chiu Kwok-Chu, Chairman of the Hong Kong Printers Association
• Dr Eric Liu, Deputy Executive Director of VTC
• Dr ONG Lay-lian, Principal of HKDI & IVE (Lee Wai Lee)
• Representative of the 18 District Councils

Secretary Edward Yau Tang-Wah spoke of the Hong Kong’s printing industry and its importance to the economic development of Hong Kong during the 1980s. For many years the industry also witnessed the growth of closely related sectors such as design, publishing, publicity and promotions. Secretary appreciates the 18 district paintings and complements that although they come from different young painters using diverse brushstrokes and observations, but they have a consistent expression and can be united as one. He hopes that in the near future, these paintings can be displayed in our HKSAR overseas government offices for exhibition to promote Hong Kong and its cultural characteristics.

At the ceremony, two young artists Cheung Wai Mei and Li Wing Ka, shared their creative experience for the project and represented all students to show their appreciation to the lecturer’s guidance. For 6 months, through hard work of collecting information by research, observation and field visits, students gained a deeper understanding of the history, culture and architecture of Hong Kong. Although there were many challenges and obstacles but the experience was very valuable and they are grateful to have the opportunity to share the beauty of Hong Kong to others.

New Island Printing Ltd was invited to carry out the printing aspect of the project. The company’s Chief Executive Charles Lai, shared the production process and technical features of the 6 albums. Six districts of Hong Kong were selected to become three-dimensional displays; including the Business Center (Central and Western District), the Tourism Center (YauTsimMong District), and the traditional community (Wong Tai Sin District). Industrial District (Tsuen Wan District), Thematic Attractions (South District) and New Town (Sha Tin District).

Every three-dimensional album combines a number of new technologies and printing techniques such as digital printing, laser cutting, flocking, glitter, lighting, moving components, emboss and deboss, varies varnishes and hot stamping. Each album contains augmented reality (AR) technology which enables the picture to appear on the mobile in animated form through using a mobile app.

From concept design to completion required approximately 3 months. Through this project, New Island Printing hopes to demonstrate the technology, diverse development and present achievements of the Hong Kong printing industry and society over the years.

As one of the major printing centers in the world, Hong Kong has been continuously striving to further innovate, integrate new technologies into the production process and become more advanced and diverse.

Through the 18 district paintings and the commemorative three-dimensional albums, Hong Kong has made full use of its rich creativity, demonstrating Hong Kong’s determination and drive to achieve Together, Progress and create opportunity.