ART Basel Hong Kong, a significant highlight in the city’s annual art calendar, is gearing up to launch at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center (HKCEC). The event will open its doors to the public on March 28, following a VIP preview day on March 26, and will run through to March 30. Renowned as the largest international art fair in Hong Kong, Art Basel is an influential platform that brings together premier galleries from Asia and beyond. This year’s edition promises a comprehensive glimpse into the stunning diversity of the Asia-Pacific region through an array of modern and contemporary works by both established and emerging artists. With 242 top-tier international galleries participating this year, the event will showcase artworks of exceptional quality across various market segments. From works by 20th-century masters to established contemporary artists and promising emerging talents, the event offers a rich tapestry of artistic expression. Art Basel Hong Kong has long been a beacon for contemporary art in Asia, attracting top galleries and artists from around the globe. This year’s exhibition will present works from 242 galleries representing 42 countries and regions, underscoring a commitment to global diversity and regional representation. The prominence of Asia-Pacific galleries at the event reinforces the region’s pivotal role as a vibrant art hub. Welcoming 23 new galleries to different exhibition areas, the event will see a diverse mix of artistic perspectives in play. Notable additions from cities like Cape Town, Berlin, New York, Hong Kong, Melbourne, among others, will enrich the art landscape at the exhibition. The exhibition’s core areas, including “Galleries,” “Discoveries,” and “Insights,” aim to offer a holistic view of contemporary art practices from diverse cultural backgrounds. In an exciting first, Art Basel Hong Kong will collaborate with the local independent art institution Para Site for a film program. The fair will also introduce the inaugural MGM Discoveries Art Prize, featuring a cash prize for artists and galleries, along with an exclusive invitation to exhibit in Macao. Among the notable galleries joining in 2025 are Aeneas Bastian Fine Art (Berlin), Nicelle Beauchene Gallery (New York), Berry Campbell (New York), Blank Projects (Cape Town), and Millan (S?o Paulo). The event will introduce the Art Basel Shop for the first time in Hong Kong, offering a range of lifestyle products to enhance the visitor experience. Showcasing the cultural dynamism of its host city, Art Basel Hong Kong will feature an extensive Public Program, both onsite and offsite, including the Film and Conversations Programs, as well as the Exchange Circle, accessible to the public for free at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center. Art Basel will also collaborate with leading cultural institutions M+ and Tai Kwun for joint offsite programming.(Windy Shao) | 