PUBLISHED March 15th, 2016 05:00 pm
With an increasing number of art fairs, art galleries, and art events choosing Hong Kong as a base city, it’s safe to say that the Fragrant Harbour has earned the well-deserved title of a world-class arts hub.
And the month of March is synonymous with Hong Kong Arts Month, which means that scores of art lovers will be descending on the city for the best of modern Asian art and culture. From the street art lining PMQ and Hollywood Road, to the insider walking tours sharing the secrets of art auctions by independent organisations like KLOOK, there’s a wide myriad of happenings every day of the month!
Not sure where to start? Here are three events that have been getting international attention and all of them are great experiences to base your Hong Kong Arts Month itinerary around:
Art Central, 23 – 26 March 2016
Another contemporary art fair, Art Central will be staging a proud return at the iconic Central Harbourfront after its successful inaugural edition in 2015. With over 30,000 collectors, VIPs, and art-loving members of the public attending last year, Arts Central 2016 looks set to raise the bar in its sophomore year.
With 100 hand-picked exhibitors from 20 countries, we can expect most of the artwork on show to be by Asian artists, and to see the next generation of talents (30 names have never been seen in Hong Kong) alongside well-established contemporary galleries like Cube Gallery and FELDBUSCHWIESNER.
With three specialized sectors (Central, Rise, and Projects) that sees tightly-curated solo booths as well as large-scale installations and spatial interventions, Arts Central redefines, quite literally, what it means to attend an art fair.
Art Central 2016 is happening from Wednesday, 23 March to Saturday, 26 March 2016 at Central Harbourfront Hong Kong. Tickets are priced at HK$230; book your tickets online and enjoy two for the price of one.
Art Basel, 24 – 26 March 2016
Boasting the title of Asia’s largest modern and contemporary art fair, Art Basel Hong Kong is an essential event on the global art calendar. Propelling Asia’s art scene into international spotlight with their breakthrough edition in 2015, and Art Basel – now in it’s fourth year – continues to be a premiere platform for both leading and emerging artists.
Featuring 239 premier galleries from 35 countries and territories, the works on display range from modern works of the early 20th century to the most current of contemporary art. Film buffs can also look forward to feature-length films and documentaries curated by Beijing and Zurich-based multi-media artist and producer Li Zhenhua at Art Basel Hong Kong
Art Basel 2016 is happening from Thursday, March 24 to Saturday, March 26, 2016 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. 3-day tickets are priced at HK$650 (admission is free for children aged 5 and under).
Art Dining at Mandarin Oriental
Artists have long been using food as a medium for their work, and similarly, art has inspired many chefs; so it’s unsurprising that Mandarin Oriental will be featuring art-inspired creations in their dining venues, in conjunction with their landmark exhibition Surroundings & Influences.
From 7 to 28 March, head to Clipper Lounge for an exclusive (and extremely social media worthy) Afternoon Tea Set to accompany the art pieces. At Mandarin Grill + Bar, Michelin-starred chef Uwe Opocensky will be whipping up a special art-inspired dinner menu for guests from 14 to 27 March.
Mandarin Oriental’s skilful pastry chefs will also be offering a selection of limited-edition chocolates and other sweet treats inspired by the exhibition at the Mandarin Cake Shop, while a series of Art Basel-inspired tipples will be available at the fashionable M bar.
Art Dining at Mandarin Oriental is happening from Friday, 7 March to Tuesday, 28 March 2016, at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong. For more details, please call +852 2825 4007 or email mohkg-clipperlounge@mohg.com.
Ready to travel to artsy Hong Kong? There are many other fantastic activities happening during Arts Month, such as the 44th Hong Kong Arts Festival, Hong Kong International a cappella Festival, and Christie’s First Open Hong Kong, where you can see for yourself how arts auctions are run.
For more information on what Hong Kong has to offer, visit www.discoverhongkong.com.
This post is sponsored by the Hong Kong Tourism Board.