A total of 1,836 voters have cast their ballots in the 2007 Arts Development Council nomination exercise, a turnout rate of 26.12%, up 57.87% on 2004.

The Home Affairs Bureau said the rise shows the arts community's enthusiasm in direct participation in the development of the arts in Hong Kong through nominating their representatives to join the council.

Candidates receiving the highest number of votes in their respective arts interests are:

* Stephen Chan (arts criticism);

* Ho Ho-chuen (dance);

* Han Shan-bi (literary arts);

* Barbara Fei (music);

* Lee Kam-yin (visual arts); and,

* Yuen Siu-fai (Chinese opera - Xiqu).

As there was only one candidate standing for nomination in each of the other four arts interests, no polling was conducted for these arts interests. Candidates returned uncontested are:

* Wu Shou-nan (arts administration);

* Wong So-lan (arts education);

* Ko Tin-lung (drama); and,

* To Kei-fung (film arts).