Supporting the Arts Through the Arts
Mrs Olivia Leung
Nearly two decades on, Mrs Leung has witnessed the Association’s steadfast commitment to its vision of ‘Arts are for Everyone.’ Through advocacy, education and professional arts training, the Association has helped society recognise the transformative role of the arts in empowering persons with disabilities, building confidence and unlocking potential.
Mrs Olivia Leung, the Executive Member of Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong (ADAHK), has always believed in the saying, ‘Everyone is born with talents that can be put to good use.’ In her eyes, every person, regardless of disability, possesses unique abilities. What matters most is whether they are given the opportunity to develop their potential. Guided by this belief, she joined the Association in 2006 and began a journey that has seen her champion the development of arts inclusion ever since.
First Encounter with ADAHK
Mrs Leung’s connection with ADAHK began at a meeting of the Rehabilitation Advisory Committee.
During her time as a member of the Rehabilitation Advisory Committee in the 2000s, she attended a presentation by Ms Grace Cheng, who was then an Executive Member of ADAHK and is now the Vice-Chairperson of the Association. Ms Cheng shared information about the Association’s ongoing projects, particularly the initiative to use the arts to help people with disabilities realise their potential, build confidence, and carve out their own paths in life. This idea left a profound impression on her.
At the time, support for persons with disabilities was largely focused on education, employment and daily living needs. Far less attention was given to artistic development. Mrs Leung believed that the arts could serve as a powerful medium for unlocking potential, and this vision resonated deeply with her.
Subsequently, through the introduction of the Association’s Honorary Advisor, Mrs C S Chong, MH, JP, she formally joined ADAHK as an Executive Committee Member and began contributing to the Association.
Staying True to the Mission: Creating Opportunities Through the Arts
Mrs Leung has always admired ADAHK’s commitment. In particular, she strongly identifies with the Association’s guiding principle, ‘Arts are for Everyone,’ and its dedication to supporting persons with disabilities in developing their artistic talents and professional careers, enabling them to realise their value through the arts.
Over the years, she has witnessed the Association’s tireless efforts to advocate for greater artistic opportunities for persons with disabilities. She firmly believes that everyone possesses unique talents and that society’s role is to provide the appropriate platforms, training and opportunities for those wishing to pursue artistic development.
In her view, the value of the arts extends beyond the cultivation of professional skills and career development. More importantly, artistic practice enables people with disabilities to express their emotions, build confidence, and discover a sense of self-worth and accomplishment through the creative process.
From Sowing Seeds to Reaping the Harvest
Reflecting on nearly two decades of involvement, Mrs Leung believes that ADAHK has remained steadfast in fulfilling its mission and has gradually transformed public perceptions of both the arts and disability.
She recalls that when she joined the Association in 2006, very few organisations were dedicated to promoting arts development for those with disabilities. Through years of advocacy, education and public engagement, ADAHK has helped the community recognise the important role that the arts can play in personal growth and development.
Today, many non-governmental organisations have established their own arts programmes and services, and there is a growing recognition that the arts are a powerful and positive medium for fostering personal development and social participation amongst people with disabilities.
She believes society has become much more accepting of the value of the arts. Regardless of whether a person has a disability, everyone should have the freedom to access and develop their artistic interests. The arts not only help to balance emotions and nurture well-being, but also serve as a language through which people can communicate with the world.
Seeing numerous organisations and community groups flourishing in their own ways brings her great satisfaction.
‘ADAHK’s work over the years has been like planting seed after seed.’
Inspired by the Artwork of Liu Tung-mui
When asked about artists with disabilities who have left a lasting impression on her, Mrs Leung speaks fondly of Liu Tung-mui, an artist with cerebral palsy.
She greatly admires Tung-mui’s passion for the arts and her positive attitude in the face of life’s challenges. What touches her most is Tung-mui’s determination to continue using painting as a means of self-expression, regardless of the difficulties involved in the creative process.
Through her use of colour and composition, Tung-mui conveys her inner world, engaging audiences in a dialogue that transcends physical limitations. In Mrs Leung’s eyes, this embodies the most moving power of the arts.
The Challenges and Rewards of Flag Day
Mrs Leung served as the Chairperson of the Association’s Marketing and Fundraising Committee for nearly 20 years. Looking back, she describes fundraising as a continual challenge.
She observed that when natural disasters, earthquakes or major emergencies occur, the Hong Kong public is often very willing to donate generously. However, when it comes to arts development or inclusive arts initiatives, people may not regard them as an urgent need.
Similarly, when supporting people with disabilities, many people understandably prioritise daily care, rehabilitation services or essential resources. Far fewer recognise the importance of artistic development in fostering personal growth and mental well-being.
One of her most unforgettable fundraising experiences was the Association’s Flag Day campaign.
As ADAHK had a relatively small membership base, extensive coordination with schools across Hong Kong was required. Organising volunteers, managing logistics and coordinating work across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories demanded substantial manpower and resources.
Yet amid these challenges, she also witnessed some of the most heartfelt support.
She vividly recalls how artist with disability Ko Nam invited a group of friends with hearing impairment to participate in the fundraising effort. At the end of the day, watching them return the heavy collection bags, drenched in sweat but fully committed to the cause, moved her deeply.
For Mrs Leung, it was more than a fundraising activity. It was a powerful demonstration of people coming together in support of a shared belief.
Supporting the Arts Through the Arts
A distinguished Chinese ink painter herself, Mrs Leung has maintained the practice of holding a solo exhibition every five years, which she regards as a personal milestone and a way of reviewing her artistic progress.
Throughout the years, her exhibitions have garnered tremendous support from family and friends. The income generated from artwork sales has been donated directly to the Association, and the opening ceremonies have often featured numerous congratulatory flower stands. Eventually, she encouraged her supporters to redirect the funds they would have spent on flowers towards donations to ADAHK.
At the same time, she incorporates Arts Accessibility Services into her exhibitions, enabling people of different abilities to enjoy the artworks while providing opportunities to introduce the Association’s mission and work to a wider audience.
For Mrs Leung, ‘supporting the arts through the arts’ is more than a slogan. Through her own artistic pursuits and community networks, she has continued to advocate for arts inclusion, encouraging more people to believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue their artistic aspirations.
From her initial admiration of the Association’s mission to her many years of active involvement in advancing arts inclusion, Mrs Leung has remained steadfast in a simple yet powerful belief: when opportunities are given, every individual can shine in their own unique way. What she has witnessed over the years is the Association’s journey of turning that belief into reality.
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