Funding pulled for HK's top drama awards to minimise 'reputational damage'

Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC) has cut the funding for an annual drama awards ceremony, attributing it to “inappropriate” arrangements last year and a negative impact on the council's reputation. 

According to an official statement on its website, HKADC said that funding cuts for the annual Hong Kong Drama Awards, organised by The Hong Kong Federation of Drama Societies, were based on the past funding records of the federation and the "inappropriate" arrangement last year.

“HKADC received comments on the inappropriate content and arrangement of the 31st Awards held last June. After a thorough review, HKADC decided that there was a need to adjust the funding amount,” the statement reads.

In a separate statement to MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, HKADC stated that the "inappropriate content" included the invitation of cartoonist Zunzi (尊子), who had dominated headlines at that time, as well as former RTHK journalist Bao Choy as award presenters last year. Additionally, the emcee used "Red Bridge" (紅橋) and "Red Line" (紅線) as topics to make puns at the awards ceremony. This would have a negative impact on the council's reputation, the statement said.

"If the federation tries to attract public and media attention and create social topics in this way, we cannot agree with it and it is not acceptable. It is necessary to make a decision on reducing the funding," the statement reads.

HKADC respects the freedom of artistic expression. However, while a grantee enjoys the freedom of artistic expression and creation, he/she must also abide by the Laws of Hong Kong and assume responsibilities for creation and expression by the individual concerned and his/her organisation."

According to RTHK, Kenneth Fok, chairman of HKADC, said that although the council was not a law enforcement agency, it was a government-funded organisation and had to be “especially cautious” about its use of public funds to reduce the risk of violating the national security law.

This comes after the Hong Kong Federation of Drama Societies received two formal letters from HKADC on 8 December 2023, that the council would withdraw the subsidy for this year’s awards ceremony as last year's awards ceremony had both directly and indirectly caused damage or negative impact on the council's reputation.

In another letter, the council said due to stiff competition and limited resources, it has decided to cut the funding for the awards this year. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) also refused to provide venue sponsorship for this year’s drama awards.

The federation said it is overwhelmed by the council's decisions and has not received any responses upon inquiry for clarifications.

Secretary of culture, sports, and tourism Kevin Yeung said that the government supported HKADC's decision of cut the funding for an annual drama awards ceremony.

"The government firmly supports all government-funded organisations to fulfill their responsibilities and ensure the appropriate use of public funds and resources while promoting the development and creation of culture and art," Yeung said.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to LCSD for a statement.

In terms of social sentiments, media intelligence firm CARMA saw over 300 media mentions since the announcement of HKADC’s withdrawal of subsidy and LCSD’s refusal to sponsor the ceremony venue for the drama awards, particularly on the official Facebook page of the federation. Out of these mentions, 26.7% carried a negative sentiment, while only 7.5% carried a positive sentiment.

“Many were disappointed with the anticipated and last-minute decision made by the authority, as they believed it could potentially impact the development of the local art scene,” said Charles Cheung, CARMA’s HK GM. 

“Some netizens were puzzled by the fact that the authority did not provide any details on how the federation had directly or indirectly damaged the council's reputation during its 2023 event,” Cheung said.

“Despite the setback, most netizens expressed their support by stating that the location of the ceremony is inconsequential and that the attendees would be willing to adapt to alternative arrangements,” Cheung added. 

Since 1999, HKADC has been supporting the Hong Kong Federation of Drama Societies in organising the Hong Kong Drama Awards for 24 consecutive years to commend local outstanding theatre practitioners and their works. Its last edition was held at the Kwai Tsing Theatre, which was provided by LCSD. 

Photo courtesy: Hong Kong Federation of Drama Societies' official Facebook page

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