Following the Umbrella Movement, Hong Kong government has implemented new measures to protect local citizens’ rights and freedoms, raising concerns that some may use these regulations to crackdown on dissidents. They have promised to review this law after consulting with public, and make any necessary modifications if required.
On May 17th, the results for the Sovereign Asian Art Prize 2024 were unveiled. Pakistani artist Sameen Agha earned the Grand Prize with her sculpture “Home Is a Terrible Place to Love”, while Hong Kong artists Michelle Fung and Demet were named as top winners in secondary prize categories. For the first time ever, more women were shortlisted than men this year, as well as nine artists hailing from Hong Kong – marking its highest number of finalist artists ever awarded this prestigious prize!
Hong Kong boasts an enduring arts and cultural tradition, boasting its own distinct artistic style which blends Chinese elements with Western influences. Hong Kong is home to numerous talented artists who contribute their skills towards winning one of Asia’s prestigious prizes – with total prizes and exhibition opportunities of US$41,000 on offer to its winner at this year’s HKW Prize competition.
As well as the main prize, there will also be two runner-up awards and a Directors’ Choice Award sponsored by the Foundation. The Hong Kong Human Rights Arts Prize is open to creatives aged 18-30 who reside or hail from Hong Kong who explore local or international human rights themes through artistic mediums. The winning submission will receive one of Asia’s most renowned art prizes including cash prize of HK$35,000 as well as a specially-designed trophy by an established Hong Kong artist.
On Friday night at the annual Hong Kong News Awards ceremony, The South China Morning Post won 12 prizes at an awards ceremony hosted by Hong Kong News Awards Ltd, winning Best Scoop for its investigation of illegal structures added to luxury properties and earning highest score overall in Best Overall category. Organisers also urged journalists to maintain professionalism amidst increased protectionism and hegemony globally.
The Society for Hong Kong Studies is delighted to host and sponsor the new addition to the International Convention of Asia Scholars Book Prize family: ICAS Book Prize 2023 for Global Hong Kong Studies Article. The competition took place as part of the International Consortium of Asian Studies 2023 Conference at University of Hong Kong. ICAS Book Prize is the signature event of ICAS, an organization founded in 1997 that brings scholars and civil society representatives from around the world together for 11 conventions to explore issues pertaining to Asia since 1997. Additionally, they publish a quarterly journal called ICAS Quarterly; for further details please visit their website; they appreciate and thank their sponsors!