How it all began

Our Story

On a winter afternoon in early 2023, three friends met in a neighbourhood café to enjoy the newfound freedoms of post-COVID Hong Kong. Their conversation naturally shifted among various topics, but they consistently returned to their shared desire to engage more with the arts. Recognising the need for therapeutic support in the city, they discussed ways to share their passion for art-making and its therapeutic benefits.

With backgrounds in the arts and therapeutic practices, the founders of Art Foragers created their first piece of community art using simple art materials. This initial creative effort established the guiding principles that shape Art Foragers' ethos and mission.

Our Ethos

Foraging for community engagement, materials, partnerships 

We firmly believe that everyone possesses creativity, and throughout history, humans have harnessed this resource to understand ourselves and the world around us. Our open studio is designed for all—regardless of experience with the arts. This space is inclusive and non-judgmental, removing barriers and fostering openness. We communicate in the language of your team, avoiding intimidating therapy jargon. All discussions in sessions are treated with confidentiality and care.

Our Sustainable Ethos

As we envision what "Wellbeing For All" entails, it’s essential to acknowledge our fundamental interconnectedness with nature and our responsibility to care for it. This is why many of our materials are recycled or reused, intentionally contrasting a culture of easy overconsumption.

Bridging Well-being and Art

Across cultures, we see evidence of the inseparable relationship between art and well-being. Emerging fields of study show that personal art-making can reduce stress, promote mindfulness and presence, and boost creativity and expression, leading to breakthroughs in limiting beliefs. In groups and teams, collective art-making fosters deep connections and collaboration, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness while reflecting cultural narratives and personal identities. This helps individuals connect with their heritage and community, enhancing self-esteem and a sense of belonging.

Work-Life Balance

A study revealed that over 60% of employees in Hong Kong struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance, leading to burnout and decreased job satisfaction. Art-making can be an incredible tool for self-care and reflection, potentially bringing meaning and purpose back into lives that feel overwhelmed by monotonous tasks and deadlines.

Access to Spaces

Only about 25% of individuals with mental health problems in Hong Kong have access to formal mental health services, indicating a significant gap in support and highlighting the potential role of community spaces in providing informal assistance. By serving as a "third" space between home and work, we invite individuals to decompress and find community here. With the help of the arts, we aim to enhance personal resilience and vitality.

Community Engagement

The demand for mental health services for children, adolescents, and adults has increased by 50% over the past five years, underscoring the need for community spaces that foster social interaction and support. We are fortunate to have found our home in Sheung Wan, where a robust network of NGOs, community projects, and businesses collaborates to enrich our neighbourhood. Feel free to inquire about our many projects if you wish to get involved!