Art Central Turns 10: What To Discover In Hong Kong's Harbourside Fair

Forbes

25-03-2025

A cornerstone of Hong Kong Art Week, Art Central marks 10 years in 2025
Courtesy of Art Central
When Art Central debuted a decade ago, it was welcomed as an exciting addition to what was an already dynamic Hong Kong Art Week. With a stunning Central Harbourfront location and an approach that pushes the envelope, the fair complemented the other initiatives including the behemoth fair, Art Basel Hong Kong.
Art Central 2025 is no different, but of course this edition is more ambitious given its 10th birthday. This year, art lovers of all stripes can explore work by more than 500 artists, ranging from museum quality artwork to experimental pieces from both established and emerging names. This intriguing mix has been a signature of Art Central, a fair that sees itself as a bridge across generations and a platform for undiscovered talent.
Corey Andrew Barr, Fair Director of Art Central 2025
Courtesy of Art Central
'We're proud of how Art Central has become an integral part of Hong Kong Art Week, contributing to the city's status as a major art hub in Asia. Our tenth edition celebrates these achievements while continuing to innovate and push the boundaries of what an art fair can offer,' says Corey Andrew Barr, Art Central 2025 Fair Director.
Curious to learn the highlights of Art Central's milestone edition? We speak to Corey Andrew Barr on what to expect:
You joined as Fair Director in 2019. How has the local art scene evolved in the last five years especially emerging from the pandemic?
I joined just before the pandemic hit, which marked a significant turning point for Hong Kong's art scene. Before this, the commercial art market had been expanding steadily, with more galleries opening, both as satellite locations for Western galleries and as homegrown businesses. This growth was already evident when I arrived in Hong Kong in 2013 as a gallerist.
The pandemic brought about a unique opportunity for the local art scene. The opening of the M+ Museum in 2021 was a pivotal moment. Although we couldn't initially welcome international visitors, it became a focal point and ignited interest in art among Hong Kong residents.
Hong Kong's M+ Museum of Visual culture (Photo by: Bob Henry/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
This renewed interest also came from collectors who began focusing more on local galleries and Hong Kong artists, driving sales and especially garnering the attention of younger collectors. This shift increased emphasis on Hong Kong artists, which had previously been overshadowed by international contemporary artists.
Today, there's a newfound balance between the local and international art markets. Collectors from around the world are now drawn to Hong Kong, fostering deeper engagement with art on both institutional and commercial levels. At Art Central, we continue to platform local and regional talent alongside global artists, ensuring that Hong Kong's vibrant art scene remains at the forefront.
Art Central is often compared to Art Basel Hong Kong as it happens at the same time. Can you tell us the main difference?
Our timing alongside Art Basel is strategic, as it allows for a cross-pollination of ideas and people—crucial to our success and that of Hong Kong Art Week. Art Central is a unique platform combining gallery presentations with a creative program featuring performance, video art, and installations. This approach creates an environment that invites collectors and visitors to engage with art holistically.
Sunayama Norico, A Sultry World shown at Art Central 2024
Courtesy of Art Central
We don't benchmark ourselves against other fairs; instead, we focus on offering a distinctive experience that complements the broader art ecosystem. Art Central draws galleries eager to establish a presence in Asia's largest art market and those aiming to showcase their artists on a global platform. We strive to highlight both established and emerging galleries, ensuring visitors can discover new talents alongside renowned artists.
This diversity is reflected in our gallery programs, such as Neo, which highlights fresh perspectives from emerging galleries. It's also seen in this year's Legend feature, which showcases the work of six pioneering artists from the Asia-Pacific. By fostering this mix, we encourage an exchange between different generations of artists and collectors.
The general vibe at Art Central is accessible and inclusive. We aim to create an atmosphere where visitors feel encouraged to explore and engage in art. This approach helps foster a sense of community among attendees, making the experience more enjoyable and enriching.
Dai Ying, Temple, 2025, Xuan paper, silk, stainless steel, Chinese pigments, 280 x 210 x 155 cm at Art Central
Courtesy of the artist and Yiwei Gallery
What should we expect at Art Central's 10th anniversary?
Our tenth edition is a powerhouse of curated gallery projects and creative programs on a scale we've never seen before, including 108 galleries and the work of over 500 artists from 45 countries around the world.
The Fair is expertly curated by Enoch Cheng, Aaditya Sathish, and Shirky Chan, who have organised a wide range of features. These include Chinese artist Dai Ying's life-size Temple II, live on-site studios for artists from Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area and a six-day series of lecture-performance art by both international and regional artists.
What would you say is the most significant achievement a decade on?
It would be Art Central's enduring impact on the development of galleries and artists who have participated over the years. It's remarkable to see how many of these talents have achieved international recognition and how Art Central has played a role in their journey.
Art Central has also played a pivotal role in levelling the playing field for local and regional artists by showcasing their work alongside global talents, thereby contributing to a shift in perception that recognises Hong Kong artists as equals in the international art world. This shift has been instrumental in fostering a more vibrant and inclusive art ecosystem in the city.
A peek inside Art Central Hong Kong
Image courtesy of Art Central
Not to play favourites, but can you share a few gallery highlights we shouldn't miss?
In addition to our curated gallery programmes Neo, Legend, Photography and Yi Tai Projects, we will also have a dedicated onsite video art theater that will screen video art for the duration of the show, a lecture-performance series taking place on each day of the fair, and Nadim Abbas' large-scale installation which is modelled on the architectural drawings of the late Andrea Branzi.
Outside the fair, which satellite initiatives or creative clusters should we check out?
One event worth exploring is Supper Club, a curatorial collaboration among several international galleries, now in its second year. Visitors looking for authentic Hong Kong art experiences can check out Wure Area, Osage, Videotage, the artist-run initiatives in Sham Shui Po and the southern gallery district of Wong Chuk Hang/Tin Hau. These places offer a glimpse into the thriving community-driven aspect of Hong Kong's art scene.
Art Central runs from March 26 - 30, 2025