Seventh Art Central Hong Kong 2022 will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre for the second time this year. And it will run concurrently with Art Basel. Following a VIP Preview on 25 May, Art Central will open to the public from 26 to 29 May. It was cancelled in 2020 because of COVID-19.
In This Post
Overview: Art Central Hong Kong 2022
Art Central is a cornerstone event of Hong Kong Art Week. And it showcases the next generation of talent from Asia’s most innovative galleries alongside distinguished artists from around the world.
Since its inaugural edition in 2015, Art Central Hong Kong has established itself as a professional platform for pushing boundaries in contemporary art and is recognized today as a place of discovery for collectors and curators representing private, corporate, and institutional collections worldwide.
The strong gallery line-up is complemented by a dynamic programme that includes large-scale and interactive installations, experimental film and performance and engaging panel discussions.
A locally organized event, Art Central Hong Kong runs concurrently with Art Basel, which also takes place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. However, Art Basel opens one day later, running from 27 to 29 May.
Both events are a part of Hong Kong Art Week. In addition, many other events are taking place across Hong Kong this week. For example, many art galleries are holding exhibitions.
Art Central Hong Kong 2022 Schedule
Wednesday 25 May VIP Preview
Thursday 26 May
First Session: 2 – 5pm
Second Session: 5 – 8pm
Friday 27 May
First Session: 11am – 3pm
Second Session: 3 – 7pm
Saturday 28 May
First Session: 11am – 3pm
Second Session: 3 – 7pm
Sunday 29 May
First Session: 11am – 3pm
Second Session: 3 – 6pm
Location
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre – 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.
From Art Central Hong Kong 2019
Art Central runs concurrently with Art Basel Hong Kong, and the two venues are a five minute taxi ride apart.
Lines at taxi ranks during major events such as Art Central and Art Basel, however, can be long.
A complementary shuttle bus will shuttle fair-goers between venues.
If you like to walk and the weather cooperates, however, it would be possible to hoof your way between venues.
The 20-minute walk will take your past the Hong Kong Arts Centre, where you might want to make a pit stop, and through Tamar Park.
The views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong’s spectacular skyline are surely a sight to behold.
It was quite hike from the Central MTR station to Art Central, taking me along a lengthy elevated walkway, the Star Ferry Terminal and a Ferris Wheel, and along a stretch of waterfront overlooking Victoria Harbour,
Click here for pictures of the walk from the Central MTR station to Art Central>>
What the art fair lacked in accessibility, however, it made up for in both presentation and content
There seems to be a consensus that the white canvas walls, white canvas cathedral ceiling, and excellent lighting put the focus on the works of art on display.
There were paintings, sculptures, and other pieces of art from 107 leading art galleries in 22 countries, with 75% of them in 23 cities across Asia. Fully 30 of the galleries had never displayed works of art in Hong Kong before.
Many of the works were of museum quality. Others were created by emerging young artists. Works were displayed in three sectors:
- Central presented established and emerging galleries from Asia and beyond, exhibiting a diverse range of artists and curatorial themes;
- Rise presented galleries and art spaces launched over the last six years. Galleries in this sector presented tightly curated solo and dual artist presentations by artists early in their career;
- Projects presented ambitious, large-scale installations and spatial interventions that were expected to challenge the confines of a traditional art fair booth.
I can’t help but think that the venue at which Art Central was held should be made permanent.
A Quick Look at the Exhibition
Look over my shoulder as I explore Art Central …
Food + Beverage
Food and beverage outlets included two bars, a pop-up-restaurant, and several booths serving street food in the Street Food @ Art Central tent.
I had two yummy tacos and a killer Margarita at the Brickhouse outlet, a Mexican eatery in the SoHo district of Hong Kong, which I haven’t had a chance to try yet.
Based on those tacos and Margarita, however, Brickhouse is definitely on my bucket list!!!
Following our visit to Art Central, my companion, Helen Wong, and I took the shuttle to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) campus in Sham Shui Po in Kowloon, where wine, yummy snacks, and a tour of the campus awaited.
Click here for photos taken at the SCAP Cocktail Party and Campus Tour>>
Art Central was one of the key events held during Hong Kong Art Week. Click on the following links for more information on Art Basel Hong Kong and other events taking place in Hong Kong during Hong Kong Arts Month.