Marquee art events return the spotlight on Hong Kong

While the art industry in Hong Kong may have been impacted by the uncertainty wrought by COVID, the Hong Kong art community is poised to be the centre of attention once again as international travel restrictions are eased in the city.

A busy cultural calendar in May, anchored by perennial stalwarts Art Basel Hong Kong and Christie’s Hong Kong Spring Auctions was supported by a cast of newer starlets, such as M+, French May and Art Central.

Wendy Xu, General Manager, Asia, White Cube Gallery notes “last year’s art fair was a great success for the gallery, and we are optimistic that this year will be equally fruitful for visitors, collectors and galleries.”

Adeline Ooi, Director Asia, Art Basel advised “Hong Kong holds a unique position in the region. Our ambition as a cultural hub is to have a long, bright future together.”

Francis Belin, President, Christie’s Asia Pacific added “Asia Pacific, through the hub that we have in Hong Kong today, accounts for about a significant buying contribution that we have at Christie’s.

“We think Hong Kong has so many advantages, including the free flow of capital, people merchandise and very favourable tax regulations. We have decided to invest to bring our business model to the next step and open new headquarters in 2024 in Hong Kong in The Henderson building, in the heart of Central, with 50,000 square feet of gallery and office space.”

Image: M+ museum opened to public in 2021. Courtesy of M+ and West Kowloon Cultural District.