The Hong Kong Arts Development Awards is an annual highlight of the local arts scene. It commends outstanding arts practitioners and recognises schools, organisations and individuals for their significant contributions, dedication and support to the development of the arts in Hong Kong. The Artist of the Year award recognises arts practitioners who have achieved excellence in their respective art forms while the Award for Young Artist recognises young and emerging arts practitioners. These awards are given in categories covering arts criticism, dance, drama, film, literary arts, media arts, music and visual arts, and xiqu.