Contemporary art shows running alongside Art Basel

Hong Kong's ambitions of becoming a major hub for the arts may centre on high-profile events such as Art Basel Hong Kong, which makes a splash by drawing connoisseurs and collectors from around the world. But it is the range and diversity of other exhibitions, installations, activities and displays running in parallel which help spur interest in new artists and innovative styles, while also focusing attention on well-respected if lesser-known works.

A good example is the Hong Kong Contemporary art fair, which makes a particular point of promoting the concept of cultural exchange between countries and providing a platform for up-and-coming local artists. Now in its third year, the fair will run from tomorrow through Monday at the Excelsior Hotel and, this time around, includes a special exhibition of works by emerging Japanese artists and showcases thangkas - precious artworks of Tibetan Buddhism - created by master craftsmen in Bhutan.

Building on the success of previous years, the basic aim is to introduce art enthusiasts to quality works by both renowned and budding artists, notes fair director Roger Lin. This is being done through collaboration with galleries in England, France, Spain, Korea and Japan in the knowledge that the interchange of ideas and information helps to shape creative thinking and give an alternative view of contemporary arts.

To support the development of local talent, the fair is also presenting a selection of works from New Art Hong Kong.

Using different mediums to represent the various sides of Hong Kong people, four artists - ArMe Chan, Uku Chan, Cassandra Lau and Vvzela Kook - will be on show at locations within the main venue, bringing it alive with the concept of "ubiquitous arts".

Kook's works, for instance, are mainly audio/visual performances and installations intended to evoke a range of atmospheres and emotions through her use of sound design and aesthetics. Having performed at a number of music festivals and museums in China, Europe and the US, Kook will also showcase some of her work in a separate exhibition at the Moon Gallery.

Another featured local artist, Angela Ho, who studied in Britain, blends two cultures and two mediums in a unique way. Described as "performance installation", her work has traditional pencil-drawn figures coming to life by means of old motion-picture equipment such as zoetropes.