Art Basel Hong Kong (ABHK) is poised to host its 2026 edition, bringing together a vast network of galleries and artists from across the globe. This year's event will not only feature a robust lineup of traditional and large-scale installations but also spotlight the burgeoning field of digital art, signaling a forward-looking approach to contemporary artistic expression. Furthermore, the fair is set to strengthen its ties with cultural institutions throughout Asia, fostering a more integrated and collaborative art ecosystem.
With a significant representation from the Asia-Pacific region, ABHK continues to cement its role as a pivotal platform for artistic exchange and discovery. The fair's dedication to presenting a diverse range of artistic practices and fostering new initiatives underscores its commitment to enriching the global art discourse and solidifying Hong Kong's position as a major international art hub.
Expanding Horizons: Galleries and Innovative Exhibitions at ABHK 2026
Art Basel Hong Kong 2026 will welcome 240 galleries from 41 nations and territories, maintaining the same robust participation as the previous year. This extensive gathering of art institutions will transform the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) into a vibrant showcase of global contemporary art from March 27th to 29th, with exclusive preview days on the 25th and 26th. Notably, 32 galleries will be making their debut at ABHK, introducing fresh perspectives and new artistic talents to the international audience. The fair's strong regional focus is evident, with over half of the participating galleries originating from the Asia-Pacific region, and 29 specific galleries rooted in Hong Kong, highlighting the city's integral role in the Asian art market.
A key highlight of the fair will be the Encounters sector, renowned for its monumental installations, sculptures, and performances. This year, Encounters will feature 11 compelling artworks thoughtfully organized around the ancient concept of the five elements: space/ether, water, fire, wind, and earth, promising a deeply immersive and thematic experience for visitors. In a continuation of its innovative spirit, the offsite presentation at Pacific Place Park Court will unveil a new digital creation by American artist Christine Sun Kim. Known for her multidisciplinary practice encompassing drawing, performance, sound, installation, and video, Kim's work profoundly explores the politics of sound through her unique integration of American Sign Language (ASL) and written English. ABHK will also host the second iteration of Zero 10, Art Basel's cutting-edge platform dedicated to digital-era art, following its successful launch at Art Basel Miami Beach 2025. This segment will showcase 14 participants, including notable entities such as Art of This Millenium (AOTM), Art Blocks, Asprey Studio, bitforms gallery, Botto, and others, signaling the fair's embrace of new technological frontiers in art.
Cinematic Narratives and Regional Collaborations at Art Basel Hong Kong
The 2026 edition of Art Basel Hong Kong will feature a compelling Film Program titled “In Between Magic and Reality,” curated to explore cinema that champions imagination as a vital tool for resilience and survival. This year marks the curatorial debut of Ellen Pau, a distinguished Hong Kong-based artist, curator, and researcher. Pau is celebrated for her pioneering contributions to Hong Kong’s art and technology scene and is a co-founder of Videotage, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing media art throughout Asia. Her vision for the film program is expected to offer a unique and thought-provoking selection that delves into the interplay between fantastical elements and lived experiences, reflecting on the power of creative thinking in navigating challenging realities.
Furthermore, this year’s fair will introduce a significant new initiative: Friends of Art Basel Hong Kong. This program is designed to cultivate stronger relationships and foster collaboration with regional museums across Asia. Prominent institutions from mainland China, such as the Bai'etan Greater Bay Area Art Center in Guangzhou and the Rockbund Art Museum in Shanghai, are slated to participate in this inaugural endeavor. This initiative underscores Art Basel Hong Kong’s commitment to not only showcasing global art but also nurturing and integrating the broader Asian art community. By forging these vital connections, the fair aims to create a more interconnected and dynamic art landscape, facilitating greater exchange and appreciation for artistic expression throughout the region.