Announcing the Hong Kong 2022 ISPA Awards Recipients

Shen Wei, Yan Huichang, Winsome Chow, Prof. Tseng Sun-man

Award Presentation to be held during the Hong Kong 2022 Congress, To Connect Beyond on Thursday, May 26, 2022

Download this media release

On behalf of the host of Hong Kong 2022 ISPA Congress, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) is pleased to announce the recipients of the Hong Kong 2022 ISPA Awards. The first ISPA Award was presented in 1975 to Beverly Sills. Since then, ISPA has continued to recognize outstanding individuals for their contribution to the performing arts and their communities. The 2022 award recipients are as follows (biographies attached):

Distinguished Artist Award Recipient

Presented to artists who have made an outstanding contribution of talent, artistry, dedication, and service to the world of the performing arts.

Shen Wei

Shen Wei is a celebrated choreographer, dancer and painter who was appointed as principal choreographer of the opening ceremonies at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Hailed as “one of the great artists of our time” (The Washington Times), Shen Wei is internationally renowned for the breadth and scope of his artistic vision that has earned him significant accolades.

Yan Huichang

Yan Huichang, a world-renowned Chinese music conductor, has led the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra to set many milestones in Chinese music. His visionary achievements are reflected in a series of innovative initiatives such as establishment of the world's first Chinese orchestral academy and organizing instrumental festivals which have achieved several world records.

International Citation of Merit Recipient

Presented for unique lifetime achievement which has enriched the international performing arts. This Award is not for performance but rather for distinguished service working within the profession

Winsome Chow

Winsome Chow is a multi-faceted visionary in the field of arts administration. Since joining the Hong Kong Arts Development Council, her great leadership has resulted in a series of initiatives to showcase Hong Kong artists on the international platform and reform funding schemes that significantly improved Hong Kong’s arts ecology and brought the organization to a new era.

Angel Award Recipient

Presented to an individual or organization which has demonstrated a significant and lasting contribution to the support of the performing arts which transcends the boundaries of one country or institution, and merits international recognition.

Prof. Tseng Sun-man

Prof. Tseng is a veteran arts administrator with a sustained contribution to the cultural development in Hong Kong and the Mainland. Prof. Tseng has served as board and committee members in many local and international arts and cultural organizations providing invaluable advice on cultural development in different contexts.

The awards will be presented at a virtual ceremony to be held during the Hong Kong 2022 Congress, To Connect Beyond, on Thursday, May 26, 2022. The ceremony will be hosted by Paul Tam, Executive Director, Performing Arts, West Kowloon Cultural District Authority.