Press Release
Art Basel Live, Art Basel's new digital initiative, will run in parallel to its physical show and feature Online Viewing Rooms, as well as a range of livestreamed events, daily broadcasts and virtual experiences. Bridging the fair’s physical and digital elements, Art Basel Live will amplify participating galleries, artists, and city-wide cultural programming to a broad global audience. The new digital platform will debut at the upcoming Hong Kong show in May 2021. Art Basel, whose Lead Partner is UBS, takes place from May 19 to May 23, 2021 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).
The first iteration of ‘Art Basel Live: Hong Kong’, will take place from May 19 to May 23, 2021 in tandem with the physical fair at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Exhibitors of the in-person show will showcase Online Viewing Room presentations that complement their physical booths. Other program highlights include virtual tours, VIP and public walkthroughs livestreamed from the HKCEC, as well as special events hosted by participating galleries and local institutions. From Sunday, May 16 to Sunday, May 23, 2021 there will be a daily broadcast at 8pm HKT (2pm CEST) from the HKCEC, presenting highlights from the fair as well as throughout the city's cultural institutions. The broadcast will be streamed on the Art Basel website, YouTube, Facebook, Yitiao and Zai Art.
A key part of Art Basel’s long-term commitment to develop a hybrid format that best serves the ever-evolving gallery ecosystem, Art Basel Live will lend a new dimension to its core fair programming with engaging digital experiences capable of reaching new and existing audiences worldwide. Future iterations will be adapted to each show’s unique content and focus.
Marc Spiegler, Global Director, Art Basel, said: ‘As we prepare to stage our first physical fair since 2019, we are excited to launch a parallel digital program that brings the excitement and vibrancy of the in-person show to audiences worldwide. Art Basel Live is an important step forward building on our Online Viewing Rooms, which we launched in early 2020, adding a rich digital layer to the physical experience of exhibiting and viewing art from across the globe. We look forward to the creative opportunities this new model will present for us and our galleries.’
Adeline Ooi, Director Asia, Art Basel, said: ‘We are delighted to be able to stage our Hong Kong show this year, not only here at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre but also via a digital platform that will allow an even wider global audience to participate. “Art Basel Live: Hong Kong” will allow us to bring the exceptional presentations of our galleries and the exciting cultural offerings of Hong Kong to our global network of collectors and patrons, including those who may not be onsite with us in 2021 but nonetheless remain equally engaged from afar.’
In line with Art Basel's commitment to engaging with the broadest possible audiences, the fair will once again open its doors to the public on Saturday, May 22 and Sunday, May 23, in accordance with all local health and safety regulations. A limited number of tickets will be on sale here.
For further updates on Art Basel Hong Kong: Live and a program of events please visit artbasel.com/hong-kong.