ART HK 09 is set to cement the Fair’s position as the leading art fair in Asia following the inaugural success of ART HK 08 – the first truly international art fair to be staged in Hong Kong in over a decade.   Highlight facts and figures from ART HK 08   101 art galleries from 20 countries exhibiting 19,185 visitors over four and a half days Over US$20 million art sold Over 1,200 VIP collectors attending 91% exhibiting galleries reported meeting new clients, to which 60% of their sales were made VIP programme featuring 50 special events and parties around Hong Kong Comprehensive education programme US$750,000 international marketing campaign Global PR campaign worth over US$4 million reaching 24 million people Print, TV, radio and online coverage – click here to see the extensive press coverage International advertising campaign reaching 23.5million people   ART HK 09 promises to deliver even more in terms of caliber of galleries exhibiting, quality of work for sale, the attending audience of collectors, features and education and the impact on Hong Kong in terms of satellite events and parties.   To apply to take part in the Fair, download the application form and return to: applications@hongkongartfair.com     Hong Kong – the prime location for a world-class art fair   Hong Kong’s gateway position provides the perfect platform for an international fair – enabling Asian collectors access to blue-chip and emerging artists from the West, as well as showcasing new art from Asia and around the world to a global audience.   In addition to its prime location, Hong Kong also offers the significant benefit of imposing no duties or taxes on the import or export of art.   The Asia-Pacific region provides galleries with a huge wealth base as it contains 27.7% of the global high net worth individual wealth (World Wealth Report 2008 – Cap Gemini/Merrill Lynch). There is huge potential within Hong Kong itself to develop the art market. Hong Kong’s population of 7 million includes 88,000 high net worth individuals. ART HK 08 saw many Hong Kong residents buying art for the first time and attracted large numbers of its high net worth community.   As, the third largest art market in the world by auction sales and with the demonstrable success of ART HK 08, Hong Kong is positioned to be the art market hub of Asia.   Hong Kong’s geographical position at the centre of Asia provides ease of access to visitors from all over the continent and provides a perfect base from which galleries can establish and develop their client base in the East.   In particular, its special political status means that Hong Kong is convenient for visitors from Taiwan - a key collector group - with direct flights taking just over 1½ hours. Approximate journey times to Hong Kong from other locations are as follows: Bangkok and Shanghai 2½ hours, Beijing, Singapore and Seoul 3½ hours, Tokyo 4½ hours, Delhi 5½ hours, Sydney 9 hours.