In an exclusive interview with RTHK, director Angelle Siyang-Le said the event brings together 240 galleries from 42 countries and places, including 23 newcomers.
However, “it’s not only about the number of galleries, what we focus on is the content of what the gallery is bringing,” she said.
“I think our galleries continue to bring top quality artworks to our regions.
“That also shows how much the galleries really value the support from the collectors in Asia.
Siyang-Le said she expects a good turnout especially from Southeast Asia, noting that collectors from the region were showing strong interest.
“Apart from Hong Kong and mainland China, which remain the [biggest groups of people attending], people from the Philippines and Singapore are definitely on the rise,” she said.
Under moves unveiled in the Budget this year, Art Basel is also partnering with the Tourism Board to create “immersive experience zones” and promote local culture and tourism.
“We want to make sure that locally people understand the importance of culture, but more importantly we want to [take the Hong Kong brand international] through all our Basel shows,” she said.
“We want to promote the living culture of Hong Kong and most importantly to remind people outside of Hong Kong constantly and regularly that Hong Kong is such an amazing place to visit.”
The premium art fair will run from Friday to Sunday at the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.
With the fair expanding into public spaces like M+ Museum and Tai Kwun, Siyang-Le said the moves are happening because she wants to make art accessible beyond just the convention centre.
