Discover HKBU

Eight emerging young artists across Asia have recently left their mark on the HKBU campus. Their works, which span across a diverse array of media, are recognised during the inaugural “Art Futures Awards” ceremony held on 20 December.

Co-organised by the Academy of Visual Arts (AVA) under the School of Creative Arts (SCA) at HKBU, the Art Futures Awards is the first-of-its-kind art award in Asia. It celebrates the exceptional works of recent graduates in the field of visual arts and associated contemporary art practices.

“This project is dedicated to championing and promoting the achievements of outstanding emerging artists,” says Ms Janet Fong, Research Assistant Professor of AVA, who organises the Awards. “The idea for this project originated from our Emeritus Professor Leung Mee-ping. There are numerous awards around the world for artists and students, and yet this is the first regional art award specifically designed for recent graduates, making it particularly meaningful for young artists.”

Featuring internationally renowned judges

For its inaugural year, the Awards garnered overwhelming support and participation, with nominations from over 70 colleges and institutions across Asia. Each college or institution is allowed to nominate up to two 2022 or 2023 graduates.

A committee of six internationally renowned judges, including Dr Zoe Butt, Vietnam-based curator and writer from Australia; Mr Yoshitomo Nara, internationally acclaimed Japanese artist; Ms Tina Pang, Curator at M+ Museum; Dr Michael Whittle, Japan-based artist and scholar; Professor Kurt Chan, Museum Expert Adviser of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, artist and educator; and Mr Hou Hanru, former Artistic Director of MAXXI, National Museum of the 21st Century Arts in Rome.

Besides gathering at HKBU to present awards to the talented young artists at the ceremony, the judges also shared their inspirational insights in art creation at two public panel discussions.

At the ceremony, the top prize was bestowed upon Miss Erina Yoshimura, a highly talented young artist representing Kyoto City University of Arts, Japan. Two prizes designated for Hong Kong artists were also presented. Miss He Chen from HKBU was awarded the “Simon Suen Foundation/ Sun Museum” Art Futures — Hong Kong Prize 2023, and Miss Lau Jin-ki from the Hong Kong Art School received the “Chan Kwan Biu Memorial Foundation” Art Futures — Hong Kong Prize 2023.

Fostering creative exchange

Mr Kalen Lee, Acting Director of AVA and Associate Dean (Research) of SCA, describes the award scheme as a bold, caring and visionary attempt to celebrate the success of contemporary artists-to-be across Asia.

He believes that the Art Futures Awards initiative has created a platform where students from different schools and even the international art community can participate in the exchange of ideas. “As an arts and cultural hub for Asia, with top galleries and a vibrant commercial art scene, Hong Kong is a perfect location for international exchange,” he says.

In addition to a cash prize of USD10,000, the first prize winner is granted a one-month residency in Hong Kong for art exchange. To allow the public to appreciate the exemplary works of these young artists, a selection of their art pieces are presented in Hong Kong from 21 December 2023 to 14 January 2024 at an exhibition held at HKBU’s Kai Tak Campus.