Elaine Ngan

Project Coordinator, Oi! Art Space, Hong Kong

Course: MA Art Gallery and Museum Studies, Full Time, 2015-16

Upon finishing my bachelor in Anthropology in Hong Kong, I was determined to pursue a career in the museum industry, with an idea to get my hands on antiques and precious collections.

AGMS not only provided me with the necessary knowledge and training to get into the museum field but, more importantly, broadened my horizon by making me realise what a museum is, apart from collecting old stuff and fine paintings. The introductory course and Curating Ethnography modules enabled me see the social purposes of museums. This drove me to develop further research on the issue of social justice and acquire a whole new understanding of museology. 

The small class sizes and hands-on training were my favourite features of the programme. A friendly learning atmosphere and a close relationship with the lecturers provided an enjoyable and positive learning experience. Apart from the programme's internship at a local museum, I also gained some curating experience by leading a team to plan an exhibition and a launch evening at Chethams Library as part of the Professional Practical Project module. All these experiences helped me to secure my current job as a Project Coordinator in a local art space that experiments on contemporary art and community engagement projects.