Rock this town:
Independent band NuPage hopes the Playful Thursday performing platform will be extended.
Rock this town:
Independent band NuPage hopes the Playful Thursday performing platform will be extended.
Creative recycler:
Designer Wong Wai-ching incorporated elements of Kwun Tong’s industrial features into the stalls' design.
Creative recycler:
Designer Wong Wai-ching incorporated elements of Kwun Tong’s industrial features into the stalls' design.
Public personae:
Twenty-year Kwun Tong resident Tse Hiu-yu captured some of the faces of this fast-changing district on film
Public personae:
Twenty-year Kwun Tong resident Tse Hiu-yu captured some of the faces of this fast-changing district on film
Jamboree transforms Kwun Tong
November 04, 2012
Playful Thursday @ Tsun Yip Street - Veggie | Arts Jamboree is the Energising Kowloon East Office’s first brainchild. Starting from October 25, every Thursday for 12 consecutive weeks, a playground in the heart of the Kwun Tong business area will be transformed into an “arts and veggie jamboree”- turning the area into a dynamic public space that spotlights unique Kwun Tong characteristics.
Workers nearby can enjoy live music and do some shopping during lunch and after work. About 30 stallholders will sell organic produce and handicrafts here.
Local resident Mrs Lee supports the idea of using the space as a market. "Now I can do my shopping here after work before I go home. It's very convenient," she said, carrying a bag full of fresh vegetables.
Industrial design
Kwun Tong was chiefly an industrial area before the Government took steps to transform it into a business district. Designer Wong Wai-ching was invited to incorporate elements of Kwun Tong’s industrial features into some stalls.
He used old pallets to build a display table that resembles a Chinese puzzle known as a tangram. Kwun Tong was known for its plastics industry, so he made another funky table from plastic floor mats. He also created a simulated toy-in-capsule dispensing machine using plastic balls and pallets.
Stallholder Ms Wu appreciates his creativity. Mr Wong made use of an industrial spool as a table for her stall. It was a practical way to recycle the spool, which also reflects Kwun Tong’s textile-industry heritage.
Precious moments
Local artists’ artworks are showcased at the jamboree, including Tse Hiu-yu's photo collections. She has lived in Kwun Tong for more than 20 years, and works here as a graphic designer. Since 2006, she has captured faces of this fast-changing district on film.
"I like using film [instead of a digital camera] because you have to think carefully before you shoot, as each frame is precious," she said.
One of her prized photos is that of a senior shopkeeper who sold clocks and watches.
"His name was Andy, and he spoke excellent English. His shop was located under a staircase at Yue Man Square for more than 40 years. Sadly, his shop was taken over by another shop a few years ago," she recalled.
Since the street scenes she lovingly captured on film have gradually disappeared, she is happy for the opportunity to exhibit her photos and rekindle Kwun Tong residents’ memories.
Band sound
One can feel Kwun Tong’s cultural pulse in the beat of the local bands’ music. NuPage is one of dozens of independent bands that have a rehearsal room inside Kwun Tong industrial buildings. Guitarist Angus Chan hopes the Playful Thursday performing platform will be extended.
"There are many independent bands active in Kwun Tong, enough that if a different one played at this carnival each week, it could last for years and establish a new tradition."
The Playful Thursday programme will run until January 10, on Thursdays, from noon to 7pm. Click
here for details.
