Empowering Hong Kong Designers Globally: The Sponsorship for International Design Awards

The Hong Kong Designers Association created the Sponsorship for International Design Awards to provide financial aid and inspire Hong Kong designers and local design-applying enterprises to showcase their talent globally and promote Hong Kong design. It includes 35 specified international competitions/awards in seven categories, endorsed by 13 local professional design associations, institutions and celebrities.

The HKDA SIDA 2021/22 program is structured into two schemes that cater to two categories of winners. The first scheme, Scheme A, is intended for those who have won specified international competitions/awards. The second scheme, Scheme B, is for winners of specific local competitions/awards, allowing them to enter relevant international competitions/awards. Each design unit may receive a maximum subsidy of HK$200,000, covering entry, courier, publication, exhibition, flight and accommodation costs. The program's primary objective is to support and empower local design talent, allowing them to compete without financial constraints.

The program's advantages also entail the rare opportunity for SIDA applicants to interact with design practitioners from diverse countries during the overseas award presentation, enabling them to exchange insights and stay informed on the latest industry knowledge.

The HKDA SIDA for this year has already concluded, with over 300 applications received and more than HK$4 million approved in grants. Many Hong Kong design works have won several international awards, raising public awareness of the growing design status of Hong Kong. The Association recently hosted a 14-day International Winners Biennial Exhibition at K11 Art Mall, showcasing these impressive works and inspiring more designers.

Moreover, HKDA SIDA hosted two Winners' Sharing Hybrid Seminars successfully in May 2023. The seminars featured a selection of Hong Kong designers who had won international design awards, sharing useful insights about introducing designs to the market, becoming competitive in highly competitive markets, and promoting brands internationally. These seminars provided invaluable inspiration and knowledge to designers looking to advance their careers.

Click here to learn more about the winners of HKDA SIDA 2021/22.

Email: sida@hkda.hk

Contact No.: 2527 3968