To support the development of emerging artists and small-to-medium sized arts groups in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (ADC) launches two new grant schemes, "Grant for Emerging Artists" and "Multi-Project Grant", to encourage local upcoming arts practitioners and small-to-medium sized arts groups in pursuing multi-facet and professional development.

"Grant for Emerging Artists" is newly introduced under the umbrella of "Project Grant" scheme. It aims to provide opportunities for emerging artists to engage in various arts pursuits such as performances, exhibitions, publications or creating and presenting new artistic works, which will enable them to gain solid experiences to build up their professional arts careers.
 
Emerging young arts practitioners actively practicing in the arts fields with potentials and commitment in launching professional careers, and have never received any grant from the ADC are eligible to apply. Grant amount ranges from HK$10,000 to HK$30,000.

"Multi-Project Grant" is introduced to meet the future expansion needs of small-to-medium sized arts groups. The Scheme aims to support arts groups with sound project planning and organisation ability to implement projects that promote long-term and substainable arts development, which ultimately contribute to the overall development of arts in Hong Kong.

Arts groups are cordially invited to submit proposals of strategic projects to be carried out in the next two years. The project should bare the goals of promoting the broad development of arts and audience building in Hong Kong. The series of independent arts project (two or more) can be of different nature such as performance, exhibition, educational activities, community projects and cultural exchange programmes. Local arts groups of various art-forms are eligible to apply. Recipients of the ADC's One-Year Grant can also apply given that the activities are not being covered in their current grant agreement with the ADC. The maximum grant amount for each approved project is HK$500,000. (Note: Invitation for proposal from literary arts and visual arts categories will be announced at a later stage.)

The two Schemes are now open for application. Application guidelines and forms are now available at ADC's Administration Office (22/F, 181 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong) or can be downloaded from the ADC's website. Submission of proposals for "2008-10 Multi-Project Grant" will close on 8 October while application for "Emerging Artists Grant" on 31 December, same as the arrangement for "Project Grant" applications.

For enquiries, please contact ADC's Administration Office at 2827-8786.