Debbie Hung, Operations and Events Executive, The Sovereign Art Foundation (Hong Kong)

Hong Kong’s art world runs on contrast: Art Basel glamour on one side, garden workshops for disadvantaged children on the other. Debbie Hung moves between both as Operations and Events Executive at the Sovereign Art Foundation, having crossed over from commercial galleries and arts education into the charity side of the industry. She helps run the Sovereign Asian Art Prize, more than two decades old, and stays close to the Make It Better programme that reaches nearly 200 children, caregivers and social workers every week. We talk to Debbie about gala season and the grassroots work that stays with her longest.

1. You’ve worked in commercial galleries and arts education before landing at SAF; what drew you to the charity side of the art world?
   During my final year at university, I worked in a commercial gallery, and after graduation, I spent a year with an arts education organisation in Hong Kong. It was very much an exploratory process for me and I wanted to gain broader experience in the art field. That journey eventually led me to SAF, where I discovered the charitable side of the art world.
2. SAF runs everything from high-profile gala dinners to grassroots workshops with children in Hong Kong’s most disadvantaged communities. What does a typical week actually look like for you, if there even is such a thing?
   Our biggest event is The Sovereign Asian Art Prize, which we start preparing for a whole year in advance. As soon as one edition wraps up, we’re already working on the next. We also support Art Prizes in South Africa and Portugal, so there’s always something happening.

   The busiest time is March to May, when Hong Kong Art Week, our exhibition, and the gala dinner all take place. Those weeks feel like a roller coaster full of energy, challenges, and excitement. We’re often out of the office, setting up events, greeting visitors, and making sure everything runs smoothly. But seeing a year’s worth of preparation come together is incredibly rewarding.

3. The Make It Better programme works with nearly 200 children, caregivers and social workers every week. Do you get to see that side of the Foundation’s work directly? Has any one moment stuck with you?
   I’ve been fortunate to help with activities in The Make It Better programme, such as nature outings and artist workshops. These experiences allowed me to learn more about the programme and connect directly with the children.

   One memorable moment was a nature outing in Mui Wo. We explored an upcycling garden and enjoyed activities on the beach. As we were leaving, some children told us they wanted to bring their parents back to visit, and they gave us hugs before boarding the coach. Their warmth and sincerity were truly touching.

4. You’re based in Hong Kong, which has a world-class art scene – Art Basel, Art Central, Christie’s, Blue Chip galleries… does that make SAF’s work easier, harder, or just more interesting?
   I would say it makes SAF’s work more interesting and dynamic. The art events offer great opportunities for us to connect with both local and international galleries, as well as audiences worldwide.

   During Hong Kong Art Week, we are honoured to exhibit the shortlisted artworks for the Hong Kong Students Prize at Art Central, giving students invaluable exposure. At the same time, our position as a charity sparks curiosity among visitors, which helps us share our mission and involve more galleries in developing our Art Prizes.

5. The Sovereign Asian Art Prize has been running for over 20 years. What does it take to keep something like that feeling fresh? Is there a winner or finalist whose story has stayed with you?
   For me, the Prize stays fresh through constant engagement with art professionals across the Asia-Pacific region, discovering new artists, and receiving extraordinary works each year. As the artworks are from across Asia, they are very diverse in terms of the mediums and themes, which keeps things exciting.

   We invite winners to attend the Gala Dinner annually and meeting them in person is always a highlight. It’s inspiring to hear how the Prize has supported their career development and encouraged them to continue creating. Those conversations remind me of the impact the Prize has beyond the event itself.