The Alliance Française of Hong Kong and Tramplus, the educational arm of HK Trams, inaugurated on Wednesday 17 September a tram decorated in French colours, designed by a student from St Mark’s School. It’s an educational and artistic initiative that brings French culture out into the city.
A tram transformed into a cultural showcase
Originally, this was a very original idea by the Alliance Française of Hong Kong together with Tramplus, a branch of Hong Kong Tramways dedicated to educational programs. They launched a design competition on the theme “Discovering French Beauty”. The result: the launch of a tram decorated by Elly Li, a student at St Mark’s School, whose illustration pays tribute to symbols of French culture.
“We received about fifty entries from young people,” says Jean-Sébastien Attié, director of the Alliance Française. “The result is a living allegory of French culture through the eyes of Hong Kong’s youth.”
A living medium of narration
For Hong Kong Tramways, the tram is more than just transport. “Trams are a living storytelling medium,” explains Paul Tirvaudey, director of Hong Kong Tramways. “They belong to the city’s heritage and can become a cultural platform. This project combines student creativity with cross-cultural openness.”
The fact that Hong Kong Tramways is part of the French group RATP adds a symbolic dimension: “It’s a way to bring France and Hong Kong closer together, while involving the local community.”
French culture in the service of education
Tramplus, the educational branch of Hong Kong Tramways, played a key role in this initiative. “We have already organised several contests with themes related to digital media and design,” recalls Nixon, General Manager of Tramplus. “This time, the subject was French culture. The 40 finalists were able to enjoy a French Taster Program by the Alliance Française over the summer, where they discovered French cuisine, painting, and comics.”
Jean-Sébastien Attié stresses the educational purpose: “We work with over 500 secondary schools. Beyond the competition, these young people have become ambassadors for the French language and culture. It’s an innovative way to get students involved.”
It’s amazing to see my design on a tram
The winner, Elly Li, says she is still surprised by how big the project has become. “I drew on my iPad, on a small screen. And now I see my illustration projected on a tram that runs all over the city. It’s amazing!” she says.
Though she has not yet travelled to France, she drew from the collective imagination: “I took inspiration from famous monuments like the Eiffel Tower, but also from architecture and cuisine, which all represent for me French culture in different ways.”
Elly Li is an art student at school, and is considering a career in engineering or architecture. “They are not necessarily the most artistic fields, but they are still linked to creativity. This project confirms that I can move in the direction I’m passionate about.”
A forward-looking Alliance Française
For over 70 years, the Alliance Française of Hong Kong has been committed to promoting the French language and culture. Its initiatives are many: from the French Film Festival in November, to exhibitions during French May, to the Francophonie Month in April.
“Visibility is essential for promoting French culture,” concludes Jean-Sébastien Attié. “This tram is a unique opportunity to carry it through the urban space, in an accessible and poetic way.”
During the entire month of September, the tram decorated by Elly Li will run through the streets of Hong Kong Island. So get your cameras and smartphones ready to let France shine in Hong Kong.
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