Want a career in the arts? Lindsey McAlister from Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation offers advice
Her organisation provides free opportunities in the field for aspiring young people
When Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation (YAF) founder Lindsey McAlister first arrived more than two decades ago on a backpacking trip – she knew she would call this city home and become a player in its arts scene.
After briefly working as an arts teacher and facilitator for the English Schools Foundation, McAlister founded YAF in 1993 with the aim of creating an organisation that provides inclusive artistic opportunities free of charge to young people in the city.
It started off as a two-week festival before expanding to become a foundation providing activities throughout the year in 2006.
“The moment I put my foot on Hong Kong soil, I just had a sort of flash that I would be here forever,” McAlister said. “I had this idea for a youth arts festival where kids from different backgrounds and cultures would come together and share what they created in an open forum. I really wanted to work with the community.”
Speaking to the South China Morning Post ahead of the foundation’s annual Standard Chartered Arts in the Park Mardi Gras festival, McAlister said she hoped that the local arts scene will continue to flourish and include more social as well as professional opportunities for young people.
