Art Basel Hong Kong 2024 Returns to Full Scale
The 11th edition of Art Basel Hong Kong, Asia’s leading art fair, concluded today, providing local and international audiences with a lively showcase of the region’s thriving art scenes. This year’s event marked Art Basel’s return to its pre-pandemic size for the first time since 2019, featuring 242 top galleries from Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East. Among them, 69 galleries made a comeback after a break, and 23 were newcomers to the fair. More than half of the exhibitors this year came from the Asia-Pacific region.
Strong Attendance at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from March 28 to 30, 2024, the fair attracted 75,000 visitors during its VIP and public days. Leading art patrons and private collectors from over 72 countries and territories attended, along with representatives from over 100 prestigious museums and foundations worldwide.
Top Museums and Foundations in Attendance
Notable institutions in attendance included Asia Art Archive, K11 Art Foundation, M+, Para Site, and Tai Kwun from Hong Kong; Guangdong Museum of Art, He Art Museum, and Rockbund Art Museum from China; Ullens Center for Contemporary Art from Beijing; Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art from Seoul; Museum MACAN from Jakarta; Singapore Art Museum; Art Gallery of New South Wales from Sydney; Centre Pompidou, Palais de Tokyo, and Musée National Picasso-Paris from Paris; Tate and Serpentine Galleries from London; and several key museums from New York, San Francisco, and Vancouver.
Expanded Public Program Showcases Local Culture
Highlighting Hong Kong’s cultural vitality, Art Basel Hong Kong featured an expanded, free public program throughout the city. Collaborations with institutions like M+ and Tai Kwun, as well as non-profit spaces like Para Site and Asia Art Archive, brought the city’s art scene to life. On March 28, Tai Kwun hosted Artists’ Night, a key event for experimental artists in the region, in association with Art Basel Hong Kong for the first time.
New Prize Announcement for Emerging Artists
Looking forward to 2025, Art Basel Hong Kong announced the MGM Discoveries Art Prize, dedicated to supporting emerging artists. More details about this prize will be shared later this year.
Significant Sales and Positive Feedback
Throughout the fair, galleries reported significant sales across various market segments, geographies, and media. Sales included works by well-known artists from the Asia-Pacific and international blue-chip artists, as well as emerging talents. Participating exhibitors shared positive feedback about their experiences.
Special Installations and Programs
In collaboration with UBS, Chinese artist and filmmaker Yang Fudong created a site-specific film for M+’s iconic facade. The piece is on view to the public until April 9. Additionally, Hong Kong hosted its first International Cultural Summit in the West Kowloon Cultural District, fostering global cultural exchange and partnerships.
Curated Experiences and Discussions
Curated by Alexie Glass-Kantor, Encounters showcased large-scale projects, including a new installation by Daniel Boyd at Pacific Place. The Conversations and Film programs, curated by Stephanie Bailey and Li Zhenhua, respectively, offered thought-provoking discussions and screenings. The expanded public program at HKCEC drew over 5,000 attendees, featuring artist talks, discussions, book presentations, and workshops.
YOU ASKED…
What is the significance of Art Basel Hong Kong 2024?
Art Basel Hong Kong 2024 marked the largest edition of the fair since 2019, featuring 242 leading galleries and attracting significant sales and international attendance.
Who attended Art Basel Hong Kong 2024?
The event welcomed 75,000 visitors, including leading art patrons, private collectors, and representatives from over 100 world-class museums and foundations.
What new initiatives were introduced at Art Basel Hong Kong 2024?
Art Basel Hong Kong announced the MGM Discoveries Art Prize, dedicated to supporting emerging artists. Details about this prize will be released later this year.
How did Art Basel Hong Kong 2024 engage with the local community?
The fair featured an expanded, free public program across Hong Kong, collaborating with local institutions and non-profit art spaces to showcase the city’s cultural dynamism.
Editor’s Note: All listed prices were correct at the time of publication. This article contains editorial selections and paid partnerships. Please note that this article may contain some affiliate links to products and we may receive a commission for selected purchases.
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