The director of Art Basel Hong Kong said an agreement for the SAR to become its exclusive regional host for the next five years is a “two-way commitment” to develop an art ecosystem.

Angelle Siyang-Le on Sunday told RTHK that the five-year partnership would set the stage for more holistic planning of the annual fair and investments be made with a long-term vision.

“We are very grateful that the city has committed a long-term partnership with Art Basel. We have been working together with the city for the past over 10 years. And we know that our role here is not only setting up an art fair, but also to grow further with the city to build this so-called art ecosystem,” she said.

“This partnership is basically a two-way commitment for us to commit our focus on raising the awareness of Asia's contemporary art in Hong Kong.”

Siyang-Le said Art Basel Hong Kong would highlight Asian galleries and artists, as well as supporting Hong Kong artists.

She added that cultural development in the city could boost economic growth.

“With the growth of cultures, we will be able to attract people to come to Hong Kong continuously, returning to the city for not only the financial hub and the other reasons but also for art and culture,” she said.

“I always believe that economy attracts people coming to a city, but it's the culture that keeps people here.”

Siyang-Le said this year’s Art Basel received positive feedback from visitors and welcomed collectors and museum representatives from around the world.


Edited by Edmond Fong