The Hong Kong Arts Development Council is going to organise "Seminars on Arts Education for Children" from 31 July to 2 August at the Hong Kong Central Library, with an aim to enhance public awareness of the importance of arts education to the holistic development of children.

The three-day event comprises three seminars and seven fringe activities, of which local and overseas educators and arts practitioners will share their views and experiences with participants. School principals, administrators, teachers, parents and arts education practitioners are welcome to join.

The first seminar, entitled "Development and Future of Arts Education for Children", will be held at 10 am on 31 July at the Lecture Theatre of the Hong Kong Central Library. It will discuss the role of arts education in schools, teacher training and its future development. Speakers include Professor Hsu Hsiu-chu from Taiwan, Ms Angelino Lo-chui, Ms Lily Cheung and Dr Angela Luk from Hong Kong. The seminar is co-chaired by Ms Anita Ng and Mr Lau Chung-yim of the Hong Kong Institute of Education.

On the other day, the second seminar will focus on the "Functions of Arts Education for Children". Local arts veterans Mr Jim Chim and Mr Chiu Kam-shing, Mrs Linda Low from Singapore will explore the impact of arts education on children's creativity, ethics and values. Also to be discussed are functions of arts education in the school curriculum and extra-curricular activities, as well as the role played by local arts education groups. It is chaired by Dr Anissa Fung of the Hong Kong Institute of Education. The venue and time are the same.

In the third seminar "Policy of Arts Education for Children", speakers including local scholars Dr Lin Siu-fung, Dr Doris Au and Ms Mok Fung-yee, JP as well as Mr Tsui Tak-shing from Taiwan will discuss whether arts education policy can be better implemented with development direction from the Government and how the education reform affects the implementation of the arts education programme. The new policy for promoting arts education in Taiwan will also be examined. The host of the seminar is Ms Wong Yuk-ching, Principal of Shau Kei Wan Government Primary School.

Apart from the seminars, seven fringe activities will be held to allow participants to share their insights in children's arts education in a fun-filled interactive ways.

For enrolment, please call Ms Chan at 2820 1095 or visit the ADC's web site at www.hkadc.org.hk for programme details.