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ART HK 09: Hong Kong International Art Fair ended on a high note this year with strong sales and a record attendance cementing its position as the leading art fair in Asia. The Fair welcomed 27,856 visitors over four days, an increase of 31% on last year. The city has now fully embraced ART HK with a sense of optimism that Hong Kong is in the process of emerging as one of the key international platforms for contemporary art. The role of the art fair in building an audience for art in Hong Kong was noted by Chief Secretary for the Administration, Henry Tang, "Much effort has gone into the organisation of this year's Fair. I deeply appreciate the hard work of the organisers in building a world-class art fair as we lay the ground for the West Kowloon Cultural District. And I look forward to ART HK becoming a major event in our art calendar in the years to come."
In addition to reports of several ‘big-ticket' sales in 1,000,000USD + price range, many galleries reported strong sales for more accessibly priced pieces, often to new collectors buying for the first time. Beyond sales, galleries reported that important relationships were forged as the Fair attracted a balanced mix of established international collectors including private collectors, foundations, curators, dealers and museums, highlighting the significance of ART HK as a cultural platform for the region.
ART HK 09 also provided a stage for a series of successful and engaging discussion-based events. Asia Art Archive's Backroom Conversations saw over 800 people attending to hear such internationally recognised figures as designer Ron Arad and collector Uli Sigg, while Intelligence Squared launched its inaugural Asia debate to a 500 strong crowd and an explosive line-up of speakers including Sir Simon Jenkins and ART HK Honorary Patron Sir David Tang.
ART HK 10 will take place from the 27 - 30 May 2010 (Preview and Vernissage on 26 May), coinciding with the major auctions in the city.
To enquire about exhibiting at ART HK 10 please contact Magnus Renfrew
magnus@hongkongartfair.com |
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