Hong Kong has secured an agreement with Art Basel to be the region’s sole host for the next five years, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law announced on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters, Law said the arrangement reinforces the city’s unique status and described its significance as extraordinary.

She said the fair would expand in scale and impact, with plans to explore new formats aimed at attracting art lovers and collectors from around the world.

"We will actively complement the Art Basel fair with top-tier cultural performances and Hong Kong’s mega events, so that the attending collectors and art appreciators can experience our city’s unique cultural atmosphere and its charms," she said.

Law highlighted the fair’s strong performance over the past two years, with attendance rising from 80,400 in 2024 to 86,500 last year - half of these inbound visitors.

Regarding the venue, she noted that Art Basel has traditionally been held across two floors at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, a format familiar to many collectors.

"I believe the main venue will likely remain at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in the future," she said.

"As for other activities or large-scale exhibits such as sculptures being placed elsewhere, Kai Tak Sports Park is definitely a direction we will explore."

Beyond the annual March event, the culture minister said Art Basel will also undertake public art education and outreach in the city and assist with research on art market transactions.

"We will have more opportunities. It doesn’t have to be only during the fair in March," she said.

"During other periods we can also collaborate with Art Basel to bring more art activities not only to collectors and artists, but also to our art-loving friends in Hong Kong, and most importantly, to students and children."

Law said authorities look forward to working with Art Basel to further elevate Hong Kong’s standing as a world-class art trading hub, while showcasing the exceptional talent of Hong Kong and Asian artists to global art enthusiasts and collectors.



Edited by Thomas McAlinden