Arts and Cultural Theory: The Daily 'Making Do'

Course Overview

This course delves into the unique spirit of 'making do' within artistic creation. Through a multi-disciplinary lens, we will analyze how everyday ingenuity informs artistic practice and blurs the lines between professional artists and the general public. The course guides students through the theories of prominent thinkers such as John Ruskin, Uta Brandes, Ezio Manzini, Bertolt Brecht, Michel de Certeau, Theodor Adorno, Walter Benjamin, Roland Barthes, Jacques Derrida, and Henri Lefebvre.

Curriculum

The course covers a wide range of media and topics, including:

• Literary Arts: Exploring narrative strategies in poetry, essays, short stories, and novels.
• Artistic Mediums: Analyzing the boundaries of visual arts, film, music, and theatre performances.
• Embodied Philosophy: Studying the wisdom of 'making do' in performance art, Wing Chun, and Jeet Kune Do.
• Pop Culture: The improvisational wisdom found in Hip Hop, Rap, and Stand-up comedy.
• Spatial Design: Analyzing how to transform streets and domestic spaces into galleries, museums, and venues.

Instructor

The course is led by Dr. Fong Ho-yin, who brings a wealth of knowledge in arts theory and practice.

Enrollment Info

• Dates: September 21 – October 12, 2026 (Every Monday, 4 sessions)
• Time: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
• Venue: 15/F, Hong Kong Arts Centre
• Fee: HKD 1990
• Eligibility: Age 18+ (Beginner level)
• Language: Cantonese

Discounts

Several discounts are available for enrollment:

• 5% Off: For pairs enrolling together; for past students of short courses (having completed two consecutive terms and enrolling in subsequent courses); for Hong Kong Arts Centre Art Ambassadors; and for Hong Kong Art School alumni of accredited programmes.
• 10% Off: For Hong Kong Arts Centre members (Single/Joint, Patrons, Corporate Patrons) and Senior Citizen Cardholders.
• 20% Off: For current students of Hong Kong Art School accredited programmes.