How Hong Kong’s art scene is driving tourism – Financial Times

Regional powerhouse, global player

A vital part of Hong Kong’s reputation as the continent’s art world powerhouse is its relationship with Art Basel, the international fair that has been running for longer than 50 years. Since 2013, it has staged an annual fair in Hong Kong, placing the city alongside Basel, Paris and Miami Beach, in the Art Basel roster.

The 2024 edition of Art Basel Hong Kong featured 242 galleries and attracted more than 75,000 visitors, and has very much established its own style. “Each Art Basel show embodies a unique identity that reflects its host city and region,” says Siyang-Le. “The Hong Kong edition serves as a gateway to Asia, showcasing a significant number of galleries from the Asia-Pacific region and fostering collaborations with local institutions.”

In 2025, 23 new exhibitors will be coming to the Hong Kong show for the first time, including galleries from India, Australia, Kosovo, Guatemala, Nigeria, South Africa, the US, the UK, Germany and the Greater China region. “The M+ Facade project, presented by Art Basel and UBS, is a highlight each year when the giant media façade lights up every night above Victoria Harbour. For 2025, we are excited to feature Ho Tzu Nyen’s Night Charades, a reimagination of iconic Hong Kong film scenes through animation,” adds Siyang-Le.

For the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), the connection with Art Basel isn’t simply about attracting visitors to Hong Kong; it’s also about presenting the best of Hong Kong culture to the world. A recent global partnership agreement means that over the next three years HKTB will stage an immersive experience at all four of the Art Basel shows worldwide: in Paris, Miami Beach, Hong Kong and Basel itself. From Dane Cheng’s perspective, it’s already a success: “We had our first show in Paris earlier this year, which exceeded our expectations. We created a cha chaan teng, or Hong Kong-style café, to introduce international audiences to the city’s vibrant living culture, and the artwork of a local artist.”

Cheng understands the powerful role that art is playing in the new post-pandemic tourism landscape – and the importance of targeting the right audience. “These travellers are looking for more in-depth experiences. Partnerships like this are a chance to show that we’re a small city, but we have a lot to offer.”