In 1998, the Hong Kong Arts Centre (HKAC) collaborated with RMIT University to launch its first bachelor's degree in fine art. Building upon the partnership, the Hong Kong Art School (HKAS), a division of the Hong Kong Arts Centre, was founded in 2000. Closely associated with HKAC’s environment and creative enterprises, HKAS offers a unique setting for students to draw on a vast spectrum of artistic practices.HKAS is an accredited institute staffed by a group of dedicated artists and art educators who are active and distinguished practitioners in the field. The HKAS’s award-bearing curriculum focuses mainly on various disciplines of Fine Art, including Ceramics, Painting, Photography and Sculpture. Its scope covers programmes with academic levels ranging from Higher Diploma to Bachelor's Degree. The HKAS's short courses and outreach projects, which run parallel to the award-bearing curriculum, span a wide variety of art disciplines and genuinely bridge art and the community.