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INTERVIEW EXCERPT WITH HOMANIf you wish to listen to the full version of the audio file in Cantonese, please click the play button.
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Q: Why did you become one of the organizers of Fotanian?
A: In June 2010 when was the time to apply for funding from Arts Development Council (ADC), my friend and I became the organizers by chance simply because there was no one willing to do it, ha-ha. Holding Fotanian requires me to spend several months in it but no pay. After all, I am not specialized in dealing with art administration so I get back to focus on my work later.
Q: WHAT ARE THE PURPOSES TO HOLD AN OPEN-STUDIO EVENT?
Homan Ho
A: For those students from Chinese University or art school, their intention was purely to share their art pieces with friends. Started from 2003, the property price was extremely low due to the outbreak of SARS. Fotanian at that time became a famous activity within the industry. Some artists wished to increase the exposure of their works.
Till 2006, people from different areas entered the community, for example, retired architects. They wanted a place to work on their hobbies, not even cared whether their pieces would be purchased by gallery owner. But some artists open their studios partly for arts education in order to promote the arts appreciation in society.
Till 2006, people from different areas entered the community, for example, retired architects. They wanted a place to work on their hobbies, not even cared whether their pieces would be purchased by gallery owner. But some artists open their studios partly for arts education in order to promote the arts appreciation in society.
Q: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE COMMUNITY?A: So far yet so close. Sometimes the artists borrow art tools or devices from other studios when needed. We may even cooperate to hold an exhibition with a common theme. Although we work in our individual space, there is certain communication with each other.
Q: WHAT IS THE FOTANIAN LIMITED COMPANY?A: Its formation is basically for funding application since the requirement is that we have to attain a legal status to register and sign the agreement.
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Q: IS THERE ANY CHANGES OF FOTANIAN EXCEPT THE INCREASING PARTICIPATING STUDIOS?
Homan's workplace
A: Last year, Fotanian was operated by a group of students who lacked managerial experiences. The outcome turned out to be a different picture from the expectation. This year, we are able to hire a full-time officer to be responsible for the Fotanian as the funding amount we acquired is sufficient. We have set up a Board committee of seven to monitor the whole operation.
Q: WOULD YOU EXPECT MORE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN ARTISTS AFTER THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE BOARD?
A corner in Homan's studio
A: The scale of the open-studio event is larger. In the coming Fotanian, the duration is longer and there are more participants, about 90 up to now. We also plan to hold activities throughout the year, like workshops. We also seek more cooperation with other disciplines to share different insights on subjects, for example, governmental sectors, medic, architecture, advertising, hotel and fashion.