Art fairs and auction in HKCEC demonstrate strong demand for physical events

01.06.2021

Thousands of art lovers, luxury goods and antique collectors, and connoisseurs flocked to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) over 10 days for three long-awaited events – Art Basel Hong Kong 2021, Art Central, and Christie’s Hong Kong Spring Auctions 2021.

This is the first time the three events were held over the same period, creating synergy and presenting attendees a total artistic experience at the HKCEC. Both Art Basel Hong Kong and Art Central were cancelled in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Participants were thrilled to finally meet face to face. Although international exhibitors and buyers were still not able to attend physically due to travel restrictions, international galleries were represented and local art lovers and collectors came out to support.

Exhibitors were excited to be able to meet and make new connections with collectors. Yiping Deng, gallery assistant of Avenue Des Arts Contemporary Art Gallery said, “We have a lot of clients who want to purchase our artworks. This is the best time to catch up with the clients to show our works.” Kelvin Yang, managing director, Galerie du Monde, pointed out the essence of physical shows, “Online display could not replace the experience of physically appreciating the artwork, to feel its volume, colour and structure.”

Monica Lee-Müller, managing director of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Management Limited (HML), is confident in the progressive recovery of Hong Kong’s exhibition industry as the local pandemic situation eases off. “We are grateful to the event organisers who work with us to shape the new normal. We had a fabulous week at the HKCEC, having the three prestigious art events under one roof to re-energise the art scene and create a unique synergy. We see strong demand for physical events. Already some 20 exhibitions and 67 conferences and other events have taken place successfully at the HKCEC since January 2021. HML works closely with organisers to implement stringent preventive measures. Exhibitions also benefitted from the HKSAR Government’s Convention and Exhibition Industry Subsidy Scheme.”