Hong Kong ArtWalk 2007 will take place on March 7 (5pm-midnight), and judging from the success of last year’s event, it is set to be a popular evening, with fifty galleries around Central, Sheung Wan and Wan Chai partaking. For the uninitiated, ArtWalk is an annual charity event that opens up local art galleries to the public until late in the evening. The event has evolved from year to year since its inception, and it now has 50 galleries taking part. Participants are given a badge that gives them entry to all the galleries on the ArtWalk route, along with a map. You can select any route you desire, take it easy and enjoy some food and some fine contemporary, traditional, Asian and international art.
The event is a great way to learn more about emerging local artistic talent. Kei Kei-yu of Too Art has recently been showcasing young local artists, and will be participating in this year’s event. “We have been participating in ArtWalk for three years now, and this year’s program, 'Small Actions,' will feature 19 local artists using a whole range of media, such as ceramics, photography and glasswork, as well as paintings,” Yu says. “We really need to promote the local arts scene, and ArtWalk can really help to bring emerging Hong Kong talent to the forefront.”
It’s also an excellent opportunity for newer galleries to join some of Hong Kong’s more established venues to get more exposure. Joe Lui of King’s Gallery in Wan Chai, is eagerly anticipating the gallery’s inaugural ArtWalk: “We are showcasing a range of contemporary Russian oil paintings under the heading ‘Russian Fantasy,’” she says.
Many people also purchase art pieces or just socialize, in addition to enjoying the galleries. ArtWalk organizer John Batten says, “One of the great things about ArtWalk is that all the art you see in the course of the evening is available to purchase. It’s also a great opportunity just to socialize if you aren’t too interested in buying.”
ArtWalk is increasing in popularity. Last year, there were over 2,000 participants in the sold-out evening. It had something of a carnival atmosphere thanks to the drinks and food available at the galleries, from some of SoHo’s and Central’s most popular restaurants. There will also be an opportunity to win a clutch of great prizes, including a pair of tickets to any Asian destination with Cathay Pacific, a two-night stay and a spa treatment at the Peninsula Hotel, a range of treatments at Hippfish hair salon, or a Swarovski candle holder valued at $1,000.
The proceeds from ArtWalk ticket sales will go to the Society for Community Organization, or SoCO, a charity that benefits underprivileged members of Hong Kong society, from the elderly, to mainland immigrants, to the homeless. Formed in 1972, SoCO not only directly assists those in need, but also researches Hong Kong’s social policy and takes an active role in debating issues related to social welfare with Hong Kong’s legislative bodies. Last year, ArtWalk raised $651,000 for SoCO, while the preceding six ArtWalks have together raised over $2.25 million. Supporting Hong Kong’s cultural scene while simultaneously aiding a worthwhile cause has never sounded so appealing.
