Closing Plenary: Motivating Project MuSE: How should we understand investing in the arts and sports?

The plenary session, moderated by Trisha Leahy, focused on the transformative power of sports and the arts with reference to Project MuSE, which was initiated and funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust to engage with young people and improve arts and sports education in schools. 

The speakers, sharing personal stories, underscored how exposure to sports and the arts at an early age can shape resilience and creativity, improve mental health, and help to foster an inclusive and forward-thinking society. A central theme of the discussion was how to enable early access to sports and the arts, Philanthropy can play a critical role in funding these opportunities, especially for underprivileged and marginalised communities. 

Dustin Lance Black spoke of how the arts expanded his worldview and allowed him to push boundaries, and he advocated that investing in the arts helps individuals develop a broader perspective that can drive innovation and strengthen communities. Tom Daley reflected on how sports and exercise transformed his life, providing him with a safe haven and teaching him resilience, goal setting and teamwork – lessons that have extended beyond his diving career. 

Similarly, Vincent Ho emphasised the crucial mindset of learning from and overcoming mistakes. He recalled his late start to horse riding and how he had to catch up, and he suggested that early exposure helps children, regardless of their background, build crucial life skills and a better understanding of the world.

Ruby Yang talked about her work in film and teaching, and how she had witnessed empowerment and transformation through arts and storytelling. Black echoed the power of storytelling and how an authentic story can change the heart. Both agreed that technology and AI cannot replace the human creativity and connection that make arts impactful. Daley also highlighted the duality of social media, acknowledging its ability to connect people and inspire positivity, while also cautioning against its potential to spread negativity.

The panellists also turned to the question of how philanthropy can bridge funding gaps. Sports and the arts often experience budget cuts if investors are not cognizant enough of the long-term benefits. On the other hand, thoughtful giving enables such long-term benefits, with Yang sharing how philanthropic support made her films possible. The panellists concluded by urging philanthropists to invest in sports and the arts not only for their cultural value but also for fostering physical and mental health, resilience, connectivity and innovation among future generations. Overall, the session underscored that sports and the arts are essential for holistic personal development and social cohesion, and philanthropy plays a pivotal role in ensuring these opportunities are accessible to all.