Art Basel Hong Kong 2023-edited by Aishee Biswas

The Hong Kong Arts Month has commenced, drawing visitors from across the globe. Art Basel, one of the most awaited events, opened on Tuesday and will continue for five days. This year's Art Basel features 177 galleries from 32 countries and regions, as opposed to last year's 130 participating galleries. Additionally, Art Central is holding its most extensive exhibition since 2019, with 70 galleries participating, compared to last year's 52.

The dates for the next Art Basel Hong Kong have been announced, and it will take place from March 23 to March 25, 2023, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The exhibition will feature almost 130 exhibitors showcasing their latest works across three sectors: Galleries, Insights, and Discoveries. The exhibits range from canvases to mixed media and installations, with a special emphasis on emerging artists in the discoveries sector. Additionally, Art Basel Hong Kong 2023 will include a Conversations area where art collectors, curators, and scholars can engage in discussions about important art topics such as digitization and the metaverse.

Following are the points you need to know about Art Basel, Hong Kong.

1. Art Basel has a rich history of 40 years and has attracted thousands of visitors:

In 1970, Ernst Beyeler, Trudi Bruckner, and Balz Hilt, local gallery owners, founded Art Basel. The first edition of the fair welcomed over 16,000 visitors and 90 galleries from 10 countries, presenting an impressive collection of works. After five years, the fair expanded its reach to almost 300 exhibitors from 21 countries, drawing a total of 37,000 visitors. By 2015, under the leadership of Art Basel's Global Director, Marc Spiegler, the show had grown to attract 98,000 visitors over six days. More than 280 galleries from 33 countries exhibited works by over 4,000 artists. Today, Art Basel is one of the most influential art events of the year, continuing to expand its global reach and impact.

2. Art Basel is a global phenomenon:

Art Basel is a global event that offers a platform for artists and galleries from all around the world. Its international presence was further expanded in the 2000s with the launch of a sister event in Miami. A decade later, Art Basel made its debut in Hong Kong, attracting more than 60,000 visitors.

3. Art Basel incorporates all dimensions:

Art Basel is an inclusive art exhibition that provides an open platform for artists from around the world to showcase their work, without limiting the type of artwork that can be presented. The event welcomes a variety of mediums, including paintings, sculptures, prints, mixed media, installations, and more.

4. Funds: 

Art Basel's Crowdfunding Initiative, in partnership with Kickstarter, aims to support non-profit organizations by giving them visibility and assistance in their projects. The initiative focuses on a variety of art and education-related programs, such as artist residencies, public installations, and educational programs. The goal is to provide a platform for both emerging and established artists to grow, learn, and create while promoting philanthropic endeavors.

5. It takes place yearly:

Art Basel's year-round programs and events include Art Basel Cities, a project launched in 2016 that collaborates with selected cities for a multi-year partnership. The goal is to curate cultural events and programs throughout the year, providing the art world with an opportunity to discover cities from around the world while investing in long-term cultural development goals. Art Basel Cities aims to create an engaging program that showcases the selected cities' cultural and artistic diversity.

6. Resourceful:

Emerging creatives receive support through the BMW Art Journey Award, a grant sponsored by BMW. This award provides opportunities for selected artists to embark on their own personal artistic journey to explore new themes, ideas, and create new work. The award winners are chosen twice a year from a shortlist of three finalists during the Art Basel shows in Hong Kong and Miami. The grant offers the winning artists the chance to travel to a destination of their choice, and explore the local art scene, culture and inspirations.