Nineteen awards were presented at a ceremony marking the Hong Kong Arts Development Award 2007 at the Hong Kong City Hall Theatre on 27 February. The awards were presented to artists, arts organisations, schools and business organisations in recognition of their unstinting support and contribution to the development of arts in Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Arts Development Council (ADC) Chairman Ma Fung-kwok emphasised in his opening remarks that the Council would help artists identify new opportunities for growth and lay firm foundations for their development. Officiating at the opening ceremony were Chief Executive of the HKSAR Government Donald Tsang, Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing, Chairman Ma and Vice-chairman Maurice Lee.

The first presentation was the Honorary Award which went to Pak Suet-sin, the master who has worked hard in Cantonese opera development over the past 60 years. A video featuring Pak’s achievement was presented. After receiving the award from the Chief Executive, Pak acknowledged the standing ovation from the floor.

The other presentations included the Awards for Arts Sponsorship, Arts Promotion and Arts Education presented by the Secretary for Home Affairs, as well as the Award for Outstanding Young Artist presented by members of the Adjudication Panel.

The presentation of the Award for Arts Achievement marked another climax at the ceremony. The awards went to Tang Shu-wing (Drama), Andy Wong (Dance), Leon Tong (Music), Kong Kai-ming (Visual Arts) and Wong Siu-hop (Xiqu). A video demonstrating their passion towards arts was showed. Each awardee was invited to deliver a short speech.

To name a few, Andy Wong, in addition to his thanks to friends and relatives, said he is now able to do the leg split after 20 years of practice; Kong Kai-ming hoped that other visual arts veterans are able to receive the honour as well.

A string of performances were staged during the ceremony, including the opening dance arranged by Andy Wong, the percussion music by Chin Kwok-wai and Andy Wong’s solo dance at the end of the ceremony.