City draws on art exposure

Hong Kong may not stand out as the mecca of art. But the perception is being changed as the city takes centre stage in the art world this month. With a calendar packed with top events like Art Basel Hong Kong, Art Central and the Hong Kong Arts Festival, there is a trove of delights to keep art lovers busy. The events are even marketed under the tag of Hong Kong Arts Month to attract visitors.

The success of Art Basel at the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai should come as no surprise. Held for the third time after taking over from the city's annual art fair, the modern and contemporary art fair has established itself into a signature event in Asia since 2013. This year's show had a strong presence of artists in the region, with 233 galleries from 37 countries participating. Coinciding was a palette of satellite shows, including Art Central, which featured artwork from 75 galleries from 21 countries inside a 10,000-square-metre temporary waterfront structure. It is good to hear that galleries at the two shows have reported satisfactory attendance and sales, despite pressure on regional currencies and changes to public admission this year. Tourism and logistics industries also benefited as a result.

There are those who believe that artwork trading and art appreciation are two different domains; and the booming art fairs and auctions are only good for business. But artwork and the art market are arguably integral parts of the ecosystem. Some local artists are convinced that trade fairs and shows enable them to access a larger audience. That explains why many artists are riding on the frenzy to host some fringe activities to enhance their local and international exposure. The Chai Wan Mei, an art and design festival in the industrial district on Hong Kong Island east last week, is an example.

Evidently, it takes more than an arts month to put Hong Kong on the art map of the world. But the events have nurtured better awareness and enriched city life. The positive response has strengthened our credentials as an international arts hub.