Research Project Proposal

Over the years, Hong Kong has cultivated a cosmopolitan image in public memory, but its vibrant legacy faces a threat from Chinese Communist Party (CCP) censorship. The city's unique identity, rooted in its complex cultural background as an ex-British colony and evolving Chinese territory, has been influenced by various socio-political factors. The 2020 National Security Law, which suppresses the narratives asserting Hong Kong's distinct character, has led to a loss of autonomy and civil liberties, prompting many locals, customarily known as "Hong Kongers," to leave in order to protect their cultural heritage from CCP censorship. The atmosphere of mourning and loss continues to pervade all aspects of Hong Kong life; the Committee of Freedom in Hong Kong reports over 500,000 citizens migrating since 2020, mainly to the UK under the BNO passport.“Hong Kongers'' are known to deeply live and breathe their rich cultural heritage, and it’s this love for their home that makes them flee to places where they’re able to protect their memories freely without persecution from hegemonic censorship from the CCP. A chilling paradox emerges: to love their home, they must leave in order to preserve their own peace. As the law becomes more permanent in the Hong Kong legislative landscape, the urgency to preserve its culture grows.
Objective:
I aim to investigate the effectiveness of archival methods in establishing an active site of memory for the dispersed diaspora. My goal is to modernize static archives into dynamic, accessible digital spaces that authentically represent Hong Kong's diverse collective image. I plan to create a participatory experience capturing cultural nuances and personal histories, featuring suitcase stories, vignettes, and artifacts, acting as vessels for preserving everyday experiences free from persecution. Whether it's stories that bring to life the neon-lit streets that pulsate with energy, or tales that explore the diverse gastronomic landscape of the city — from savoring typhoon-shelter crab during inclement weather to the communal warmth of sitting around a Cantonese hot pot during the new year — each story holds intrinsic value, worthy of preservation and appreciation, especially during a time like this.
Methodology:
I intend to adopt a dynamic archive approach: drawing inspiration from institutions like the Smithsonian, especially their AAPI month initiative utilizing crowdsourcing on platforms like Flickr and Instagram. Their method enabled global anonymous contributions, documenting diverse interpretations of Asian American life in various contexts, including national and transnational perspectives, diaspora experiences, and refugee narratives. I plan to learn how established institutions of arts and culture, like Asia Art Archive and Asia Society (both headquartered in Hong Kong), tackle their archival projects. Additionally, I seek to connect with independent researchers, scholars, and ethnographers, such as Winnie Lai at the University of Pennsylvania, whose work on "Sounding Freedom: Political Aurality and Sound Acts in Hong Kong (Post-)Protest Spaces" is of interest. I have also been involved with communicating with Anna Kijas, a Tufts faculty member specializing in the online preservation of Ukrainian cultural heritage, to workshop potential dynamic archival strategies. Furthermore, I aim to collaborate with established cultural centers in the UK, particularly in areas with significant Hong Kong immigrant populations like Milton Keynes and Sutton. With these areas having high population density of both new and old Hong Kong immigrants, it provides a solid starting point for understanding the project's parameters and serves as a potential springboard for the initiative to become global. This collaboration will enhance the depth of my research and align with my Leadership-in-Action project, involving travel to these regions.
Rationale:
This project holds personal significance for me as a “Hong Konger”; being deeply rooted in Hong Kong culture through generational family stories, I don't just observe this culture; I intimately identify with it. My firsthand knowledge of Hong Kong neighborhoods and cultural spaces allows for a relevant organization of the archive. Fluency in both Cantonese and English positions me well for effective communication with locals in Hong Kong and those who have migrated to the UK. My experiences working with various cultural groups in Hong Kong during high school, including immigrants, locals and expatriates, have provided me with a nuanced perspective that will enrich the project's cultural sensitivity and effectiveness. My authenticity will help me break the wall between formality and accessibility. I aim to comprehend the process of not only advocating for groups that may feel overlooked but also honoring their experiences by actively capturing their essence in the realms of arts and culture.
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