Milestones
Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong (ADAHK) has been established as a non-profit and charitable organisation since 1986. The Association is a member of the Access/VSA International Network 2026 and The Hong Kong Council of Social Service. With the vision of ‘Arts are for Everyone,’ ADAHK believes that everyone has the potential and talent for creativity and the right to enjoy the beauty and vitality of the arts. We are dedicated to providing holistic services to support the arts development amongst people with disabilities. We promote equal opportunities for people with disabilities to access and excel in the arts, and advocate for an inclusive society through the arts.
Since 1986, each milestone has marked a significant moment in ADAHK’s journey. These milestones reflect the beliefs and trust of our many partners and artists with disabilities, allowing us to pass on the spirit of ‘Arts are for Everyone’ from one generation to the next.
1986
Rolled out ‘Arts with the Disabled in Hong Kong’ Online Channel and Archive (THE Platform)
The first comprehensive online platform and database in Hong Kong dedicated to researching, documenting, and presenting the development history, artists, and artworks related to arts with the disabled
1986
ADAHK was formed in November after the first ‘Festival of Arts with the Disabled’ in Hong Kong
A new chapter for ‘Arts with the Disabled’ in Hong Kong, inspired by both local and international collaboration
1988
Joined Very Special Arts network
Building exchange and collaboration with the international community
1988
Rolled out ‘Arts with the Disabled in Hong Kong’ Online Channel and Archive (THE Platform)
The first comprehensive online platform and database in Hong Kong dedicated to researching, documenting, and presenting the development history, artists, and artworks related to arts with the disabled
1990
Rolled out ‘Arts with the Disabled in Hong Kong’ Online Channel and Archive (THE Platform)
The first comprehensive online platform and database in Hong Kong dedicated to researching, documenting, and presenting the development history, artists, and artworks related to arts with the disabled
1990
Launching of dance workshops
Engaged people with intellectual disability, hearing and visual impairment, encouraging people of different abilities to participate in the arts and performance
1993
Rolled out ‘Arts with the Disabled in Hong Kong’ Online Channel and Archive (THE Platform)
The first comprehensive online platform and database in Hong Kong dedicated to researching, documenting, and presenting the development history, artists, and artworks related to arts with the disabled
1993
Formation of ‘Dancing Kid,’ which participated in the VSA arts Festival in Belgium the following year
Artists with disabilities made their first appearance on the international stage
1996
Rolled out ‘Arts with the Disabled in Hong Kong’ Online Channel and Archive (THE Platform)
The first comprehensive online platform and database in Hong Kong dedicated to researching, documenting, and presenting the development history, artists, and artworks related to arts with the disabled
1996
Organised ‘ARTability’
‘Arts with the Disabled’ was introduced in public housing estates throughout Hong Kong
1996
Rolled out ‘Arts with the Disabled in Hong Kong’ Online Channel and Archive (THE Platform)
The first comprehensive online platform and database in Hong Kong dedicated to researching, documenting, and presenting the development history, artists, and artworks related to arts with the disabled
1996
Founding of the ‘ADA Angels Children’s Choir’
Provided choral training for children with disabilities who showed musical potential, sowing the seeds of inclusive arts on stage
1997
Rolled out ‘Arts with the Disabled in Hong Kong’ Online Channel and Archive (THE Platform)
The first comprehensive online platform and database in Hong Kong dedicated to researching, documenting, and presenting the development history, artists, and artworks related to arts with the disabled
1997
Introduced SAORI hand weaving to Hong Kong
Opened up new creative possibilities
1999
Organised ‘Millennium Celebrations’
Through a series of performances, exhibitions and community activities, it brought inclusive arts into the community and encouraged public participation
1999
Rolled out ‘Arts with the Disabled in Hong Kong’ Online Channel and Archive (THE Platform)
The first comprehensive online platform and database in Hong Kong dedicated to researching, documenting, and presenting the development history, artists, and artworks related to arts with the disabled
2003
Rolled out ‘Arts with the Disabled in Hong Kong’ Online Channel and Archive (THE Platform)
The first comprehensive online platform and database in Hong Kong dedicated to researching, documenting, and presenting the development history, artists, and artworks related to arts with the disabled
2003
Launching of Jockey Club Arts for the Disabled Scheme (JCADS)
Promoted the long-term development of inclusive arts through training workshops, school-based projects, and trainers’ training
2005
Rolled out ‘Arts with the Disabled in Hong Kong’ Online Channel and Archive (THE Platform)
The first comprehensive online platform and database in Hong Kong dedicated to researching, documenting, and presenting the development history, artists, and artworks related to arts with the disabled
2005
Published a memorial book in honour of Dr Marion Fang, one of the founders of the Association
Continued Dr Marion Fang’s vision of promoting inclusive arts
2005
Launching of ‘ADA Angels Programme’
Empowering outstanding artists with disabilities to promote excellence in their work
2005
Rolled out ‘Arts with the Disabled in Hong Kong’ Online Channel and Archive (THE Platform)
The first comprehensive online platform and database in Hong Kong dedicated to researching, documenting, and presenting the development history, artists, and artworks related to arts with the disabled
2006
Rolled out ‘Arts with the Disabled in Hong Kong’ Online Channel and Archive (THE Platform)
The first comprehensive online platform and database in Hong Kong dedicated to researching, documenting, and presenting the development history, artists, and artworks related to arts with the disabled
2006
The Swire Group Charitable Trust became ADAHK’s Principal Sponsor
2006
Rolled out ‘Arts with the Disabled in Hong Kong’ Online Channel and Archive (THE Platform)
The first comprehensive online platform and database in Hong Kong dedicated to researching, documenting, and presenting the development history, artists, and artworks related to arts with the disabled
2006
Co-organised the ‘International Inclusive Arts Festival’ and the ‘Beat the Drum for Inclusion’ with the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau
Broadened public understanding and marked a significant milestone in social inclusion
2007
Rolled out ‘Arts with the Disabled in Hong Kong’ Online Channel and Archive (THE Platform)
The first comprehensive online platform and database in Hong Kong dedicated to researching, documenting, and presenting the development history, artists, and artworks related to arts with the disabled
2007
Launching of ‘Artlink’
Connecting participants in Hong Kong and other cities to exchange their culture and customs through art
2008
Rolled out ‘Arts with the Disabled in Hong Kong’ Online Channel and Archive (THE Platform)
The first comprehensive online platform and database in Hong Kong dedicated to researching, documenting, and presenting the development history, artists, and artworks related to arts with the disabled
2008
Established the Inclusive Arts Studio
A new inclusive arts space established at JCCAC, providing equal opportunities for people with different abilities to participate in arts activities in a mainstream arts and cultural venue
2008
Rolled out ‘Arts with the Disabled in Hong Kong’ Online Channel and Archive (THE Platform)
The first comprehensive online platform and database in Hong Kong dedicated to researching, documenting, and presenting the development history, artists, and artworks related to arts with the disabled
2008
Established the School of Playback Theatre (HK) in affiliation with the Centre for Playback Theatre, USA
Promoted the development of inclusive theatre and arts education
2009
Rolled out ‘Arts with the Disabled in Hong Kong’ Online Channel and Archive (THE Platform)
The first comprehensive online platform and database in Hong Kong dedicated to researching, documenting, and presenting the development history, artists, and artworks related to arts with the disabled
2009
Presented ‘Cross All Borders: A Mini Festival Showcasing New Performing Artists with Disabilities’
Provided a platform for emerging local artists with disabilities to showcase their talent in the performing arts, becoming one of the ADAHK’s flagship programmes
2009
Rolled out ‘Arts with the Disabled in Hong Kong’ Online Channel and Archive (THE Platform)
The first comprehensive online platform and database in Hong Kong dedicated to researching, documenting, and presenting the development history, artists, and artworks related to arts with the disabled
2009
Co-presented the ‘VSA arts Institute’ with VSA arts
Facilitated in-depth exchange between overseas and local experts and local tutors through masterclasses and professional seminars
2010
Rolled out ‘Arts with the Disabled in Hong Kong’ Online Channel and Archive (THE Platform)
The first comprehensive online platform and database in Hong Kong dedicated to researching, documenting, and presenting the development history, artists, and artworks related to arts with the disabled
2010
Launching of ‘Jockey Club Inclusive Arts Programme’
With funding and support from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, JCIAS provides equal opportunities for people with different abilities to participate in arts activities
2010
Rolled out ‘Arts with the Disabled in Hong Kong’ Online Channel and Archive (THE Platform)
The first comprehensive online platform and database in Hong Kong dedicated to researching, documenting, and presenting the development history, artists, and artworks related to arts with the disabled
2010
Presented ‘Cross All Borders: Hong Kong Festival Showcasing New Visual Artists with Disabilities’
Provided a platform for emerging local artists with disabilities to showcase their talent in the visual arts
2011
Rolled out ‘Arts with the Disabled in Hong Kong’ Online Channel and Archive (THE Platform)
The first comprehensive online platform and database in Hong Kong dedicated to researching, documenting, and presenting the development history, artists, and artworks related to arts with the disabled
2011
Presented ‘A Bit More Than Arts Festival’
Showcased the works and outcome from the ‘Jockey Club Inclusive Arts Programme’, becoming one of the ADAHK’s flagship programmes
2012
Rolled out ‘Arts with the Disabled in Hong Kong’ Online Channel and Archive (THE Platform)
The first comprehensive online platform and database in Hong Kong dedicated to researching, documenting, and presenting the development history, artists, and artworks related to arts with the disabled
2012
Official opening of the ‘Jockey Club Arts Accessibility Service Centre’
Official opening of the ‘Jockey Club Arts Accessibility Service Centre’
2013
Rolled out ‘Arts with the Disabled in Hong Kong’ Online Channel and Archive (THE Platform)
The first comprehensive online platform and database in Hong Kong dedicated to researching, documenting, and presenting the development history, artists, and artworks related to arts with the disabled
2013
Established the ‘Artists with Disability Development Fund’
With sponsorship from Lee Hysan Foundation, supporting the professional training and development of artists with disabilities
2014
Rolled out ‘Arts with the Disabled in Hong Kong’ Online Channel and Archive (THE Platform)
The first comprehensive online platform and database in Hong Kong dedicated to researching, documenting, and presenting the development history, artists, and artworks related to arts with the disabled
2014
Established a social enterprise, ‘ADAM Arts Creation Limited’
ADAM creates job opportunities and income streams for artists with disabilities, working with the corporate sector to showcase their talents in visual and performing arts
2016
Rolled out ‘Arts with the Disabled in Hong Kong’ Online Channel and Archive (THE Platform)
The first comprehensive online platform and database in Hong Kong dedicated to researching, documenting, and presenting the development history, artists, and artworks related to arts with the disabled
2016
Commencement of ‘Ignition Scheme’
Fostering the artistic potential of students with disabilities in special schools
2017
Rolled out ‘Arts with the Disabled in Hong Kong’ Online Channel and Archive (THE Platform)
The first comprehensive online platform and database in Hong Kong dedicated to researching, documenting, and presenting the development history, artists, and artworks related to arts with the disabled
2017
Produced a drama ‘The Path Together’
Integrated Theatrical Interpretation into the show and presented to the audience a whole new dimension and experience of watching a drama
2018
Rolled out ‘Arts with the Disabled in Hong Kong’ Online Channel and Archive (THE Platform)
The first comprehensive online platform and database in Hong Kong dedicated to researching, documenting, and presenting the development history, artists, and artworks related to arts with the disabled
2018
Opening of New Art Space of ADAM
Provided a platform for artists with disabilities to share ideas and inspire creation
2020
Rolled out ‘Arts with the Disabled in Hong Kong’ Online Channel and Archive (THE Platform)
The first comprehensive online platform and database in Hong Kong dedicated to researching, documenting, and presenting the development history, artists, and artworks related to arts with the disabled
2020
Launching of ‘Professional Training and Public Education Pilot Scheme for Artists with Disabilities’
Fostered professional development in the arts for persons with disabilities by strengthening and extending their skills
2020
Rolled out ‘Arts with the Disabled in Hong Kong’ Online Channel and Archive (THE Platform)
The first comprehensive online platform and database in Hong Kong dedicated to researching, documenting, and presenting the development history, artists, and artworks related to arts with the disabled
2020
Opening of ‘ADA Arts Hub’
Sponsored by Henderson Land Development Limited, the ADA Arts Hub is a creative space for nurturing artists with disabilities as well as the promotion of arts among people with disabilities
2022
Rolled out ‘Arts with the Disabled in Hong Kong’ Online Channel and Archive (THE Platform)
The first comprehensive online platform and database in Hong Kong dedicated to researching, documenting, and presenting the development history, artists, and artworks related to arts with the disabled
2022
Organised the ‘Arts Accessibility International Symposium’
Brought together local and international perspectives, opening new conversations and possibilities for developing Arts Accessibility in Hong Kong
2024
Rolled out ‘Arts with the Disabled in Hong Kong’ Online Channel and Archive (THE Platform)
The first comprehensive online platform and database in Hong Kong dedicated to researching, documenting, and presenting the development history, artists, and artworks related to arts with the disabled
2024
Rolled out ‘Arts with the Disabled in Hong Kong’ Online Channel and Archive (THE Platform)
The first comprehensive online platform and database in Hong Kong dedicated to researching, documenting, and presenting the development history, artists, and artworks related to arts with the disabled
2025
Rolled out ‘Arts with the Disabled in Hong Kong’ Online Channel and Archive (THE Platform)
The first comprehensive online platform and database in Hong Kong dedicated to researching, documenting, and presenting the development history, artists, and artworks related to arts with the disabled
2025
Co-organised ‘The Diversity and Inclusion Arts Festival’ with the Labour and Welfare Bureau
Empowered artists with disabilities by showcasing their exceptional talents, promoting their professional development, and facilitating their seamless integration into the workplace
2025
Rolled out ‘Arts with the Disabled in Hong Kong’ Online Channel and Archive (THE Platform)
The first comprehensive online platform and database in Hong Kong dedicated to researching, documenting, and presenting the development history, artists, and artworks related to arts with the disabled
2025
Organised ‘Cross All Borders’ Proudly Presents: ‘Spotlight on Your Voice’ Black Box Production
Brought professional theatre practitioners and artists with disabilities together on stage, marking a breakthrough for inclusive theatre in Hong Kong
2026
Rolled out ‘Arts with the Disabled in Hong Kong’ Online Channel and Archive (THE Platform)
The first comprehensive online platform and database in Hong Kong dedicated to researching, documenting, and presenting the development history, artists, and artworks related to arts with the disabled
2026
ADAHK 40th Anniversary
Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong remains committed to fostering inclusion through the arts as we embark on a new chapter