ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the impact international art fairs have had in Hong Kong and the Asian region. It focuses on Art Hong Kong, which ran from 2008 until 2012; Art Basel Hong Kong, established in 2013 and active; and Art Central, also active and established in 2015. It examines why Hong Kong is ideally suited to be a visual art center within Asia; its role within the global art world and the art market; and how these roles have changed with the advent of these art fairs. The chapter explores characteristics that are particular to Art Basel Hong Kong, compared to the longer-established Art Basel or Art Basel Miami Beach fairs, in featuring contemporary art. Before the advent of international art fairs, auction houses played a key role in raising interest in art in Hong Kong. The international art fair in Hong Kong has offered its public more knowledge about the art world and artists, both local and international.
