Fifteen local comic creation enterprises and their works were selected by the second “Hong Kong Comics Power”-HK Comic Support Programme. They can each receive up to HK$240,000 (US$31,000) in funding. In addition, they will receive aid in mentoring, training, promotion, and other support.
The support program (second year running) is organized by the Hong Kong Comics and Animation Federation (HKCAF), with the government’s “Create Hong Kong (CreateHK)” as its major sponsor. Its main purpose is to increase the exposure of selected local comic enterprises, their main creators, and their sponsored comics so as to assist both the enterprises and the main creators to develop business opportunities. The support program held an awards presentation ceremony and sharing session at the Animation-Comic-Game Hong Kong (ACGHK) on July 28.
The award-winning comics and other sponsored items will be exhibited and sold in the “Animation Comic Game Hong Kong 2023“ from July 28 to August 1, when the main creators will also be present for live interaction with their fans. The ”Hong Kong Comic Power"-pavilion of ACGHK 2023 is located at booth B03, Hall 1B.
There were more than 90 applications received for this second year of the support program, much more enthusiastic than the response last time. After two rounds of review and interviews, the review panel finally selected 15 local comic enterprises and their proposed project plans. They will each receive a subsidy of up to HK$240,000 (US$31,000) to continue their respective project’s creation, publication, and promotion.
In addition, they will also receive tutor guidance, training courses, and the newly added editorial tutorship to follow up on the production process of the funded comics; free participation in a series of exhibitions, including the “Animation Comic Game Hong Kong 2023” scheduled from July to August, as well as the exhibition and promotion activities in the “Hong Kong Comic Power” pavilion at the “Malaysia Comic Fiesta 2023,” in December. There is also a newly added item this year, the original comics script exhibition during the “Hong Kong Comics Power” event held locally, exhibiting the original manuscripts of the funded comics.
Mr. Tony Wong Yuk-long, president of HKCAF, expressed his hope that this program can bring forward and promote more local comic talents, and allow Hong Kong comics to expand further into overseas markets.
Tony Wong Yuk-long, president of the Hong Kong Comics and Animation Federation, at the awards presentation ceremony on July 28, 2023. (Benson Lau/The Epoch Times)
