We’ve been indulging our love of the arts with Hong Kong Arts Month, which kicks off on March 1st. Here’s a roundup of just some of what’s on.
The 47th Hong Kong Arts Festival
Overlapping with Hong Kong Arts Month, running until March 23rd, is the Hong Kong Arts Festival. The event stages a whopping 166 performances, covering opera, theatre, dance and music – truly something for everyone. This year, the theme is “At Every Stage”. There are fifteen brand new productions and sixteen premieres, including the world premiere of Gangsters of Hong Kong at the Chinese Theatre and the Asian premiere of Matsuev and Friends Play Jazz. If you’re inspired to improve your own skills, then you’ll love the Festival PLUS masterclasses and workshops as well as backstage tours and the chance to meet cast members.
Urban Art to get you buzzing
Focusing on the premise that the whole city should be seen as a blank canvas, there are a number of art projects worth seeking out. ARTLANE in Sai Ying Pun brings a very photogenic cluster of mural art, adorning the walls, streets and staircases of the area. Wan Chai more than holds its own with Design District Hong Kong, a carefully curated open air gallery. Draw HKplaces the focus firmly on the audience with a series of drawing demonstrations and fun drawing events aimed at getting you to channel your inner artist. HKwallsreturns from March 23rdto 31st with a series of screenings and shows transforming the urban landscape. Finally, HK Urban Canvasfocuses on shutter artwork that showcases Hong Kong’s many food cultures. Make your way over to Aberdeen, Ap Lei Chau and Kowloon City from late March to join in.
Art Gallery Night
This year, the popular Art Gallery Night takes place on March 25th. From 6-8pm, Hong Kong Art Gallery Association member galleries extend their opening hours to stage special events, exhibitions and other art-related experiences. Admission’s free. To find out what’s on where, check out their dedicated Art Gallery Night websitefor more information.
Art Central
It wouldn’t be Hong Kong Arts Month without Art Central. Taking place from March 27thto 31stat the Central Harbourfront, this highly anticipated show gathers together 107 galleries from 22 countries to put on one of Hong Kong’s best events. The critically acclaimed offering comprises performance art, large-scale installations and compelling insights into the world of contemporary art by way of a comprehensive programme of talks. 2019 sees the introduction of a pop up restaurant created especially for the event – the Italian-Asian fusion cuisine of SCARPETTA di Daniele Sperindio, promising that works of art will extend to the plate as well. On top of that, The Terrace returns, with eight super-cool eateries setting up in a spectacular outdoor setting.
Art Basel
The popular art showreturns to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre for a three day run on March 29th, featuring modern paintings, sculptures, installations, drawings, digital artworks and more. One of its most popular exhibits is likely to be found in the Kabinett sector. There, 21 exhibitors will showcase rare works by some of Europe and Asia’s most talented artists. From the colourful textiles produced by Filipino Pacita Abad to the work of Catalan Joan Miró, there are some real treats to discover. Bring the kids – they’ll enjoy the UBS Junior Art Hub with its interactive educational arts programmes.
Asia Contemporary Art Show
The Conrad Hong Kong once again welcomes the Asia Contemporary Art Showand there are offers available to those pre-booking, including buy one get one free deals on tickets. This year, the theme is “Intersections: China”. Western arts meet Chinese for a reinterpretation of the traditional. Over 20 artists are represented in “Artist Dialogues” featuring both solo and joint presentations. The event runs from March 30thto April 1st. For admission times, tickets and more details, check out the website.
Hong Kong Arts Month is a must if you’re a culture vulture in town this month. See you there? And in between enjoying the arts, consider filling up your belly by joining one of our Foodie Tours.