Art Basel - Invest Hong Kong

Success Stories
Art Basel Show in
Hong Kong: Asia’s
Premier Art Fair
Art Basel spotlights Hong Kong’s
lively art scene
“Hong Kong is right at the heart
of Asia. Its superb transport
infrastructure and links make
it convenient for Art Basel’s
visitors from the US and Europe.”
Adeline Ooi, Director Asia
Art Basel
After 40-plus years in Basel, Switzerland, Art Basel added to its
shows there and in Miami Beach, Florida, when it launched the
third platform of its international art show here more than three
years ago. Art Basel show in Hong Kong has since become the
international standard for the region, presenting both local and
emerging galleries, as well as attracting the premier international
galleries. It has built strong collaboration locally with key cultural
organisations, including the Asia Society, Art Asia Archive, Para/
Site Art Space, Spring Workshop, Hong Kong Arts Center and M+. It is
continually expanding its collaboration with local and international
cultural groups like Hong Kong Art Gallery Week, Gallery Night and
HKU Space.
“We’ve been very fortunate to have local partners and institutions
who’ve been very supportive of our show, and who time their
wonderful exhibitions and special events during this time of year.
There are around 150 events taking place within the city during the
Art Basel week,” Adeline Ooi, Director Asia, Art Basel, said.
The Hong Kong show this year took place in March and included
233 galleries and exhibition spaces, representing 37 countries and
territories. Nearly 60,000 people attended. The show attracted
private collectors and arts institutions from around the world, many
participating for the first time. Art Basel has become a meeting point
for the global art world, and offers a platform for artists, gallerists,
collectors and museum directors to meet and exchange ideas.
Art Basel’s success is a testament to Hong Kong’s unrivalled
advantages. “Geographic location is key advantage,” Ooi said.
“Hong Kong is right at the heart of Asia, and attracts visitors from
across North and Southeast Asia, as well as from Australia and
New Zealand. Its superb transport infrastructure and links make it
convenient for Art Basel’s visitors from the US and Europe.”
“Many of our guests also explored the local galleries and arts
institutions during their stay, and we know that many of them
also made the most of their travel by visiting nearby countries to
experience the art scenes there.”
Art Basel sees incredible potential for the art market in the Asia
Pacific region, which accounts for some 60 percent of the world’s
population and includes a growing number of people with the
means to become collectors. It is increasingly important for the
international art community to have an opportunity to engage with
collectors and the art communities in this region.
Regional Focus
Art Basel Show in Hong Kong represents some 250 galleries, half of
which have exhibition spaces in Asia and the Asia Pacific region.
They offer a diverse collection of artworks, including pieces by
established artists, newly emerging artists and curated projects.
The Hong Kong team, which initially had one VIP Manager, has
been expanding along with Art Basel, which now employs 25
VIP Relations Managers covering key cities worldwide. The 30
full-time staff members here have a wide range of responsibilities
that include marketing, design, VIP relations, gallery relations and
operations. The global head of sponsorship is based in Hong Kong,
as the city provides access to the region’s more than 3.3 million highnet-worth individual giving rise to sponsorship opportunities.
Art Basel
• Founded in Basel, Switzerland, in 1970 by gallerists and for gallerists
• Three annual shows in Basel, Miami Beach and Hong Kong
www.artbasel.com
investhk.gov.hk
Original date of publication: May 2013
Updated: September 2015
© Copyright Invest Hong Kong, September 2015. All rights reserved.