Art Basel has unveiled exciting highlights for its upcoming 2025 edition in Hong Kong, set to take place from March 28 to 30, with previews beginning on March 26 and 27. This prestigious event promises to be more than just an art fair; it's a vibrant celebration of cultural dynamism.

Encounters Section

One of the most anticipated segments is **Encounters**, dedicated to large-scale installations that bridge various artistic realms such as digital art, architecture, and human interactions. This year, 18 impressive installations will be presented, with over 50% being specially commissioned for the event. Notably, the site-specific installation, "Lanternfly Ballet" by Monster Chetwynd, is returning to the Pacific Place, continuing its collaboration with Swire Properties.

Kabinett Feature

Another record-breaking feature of this year's fair is **Kabinett**, which will showcase thematic presentations within gallery booths, boasting 36 projects, the highest in Art Basel Hong Kong's history. This segment will spotlight both historical and contemporary solo exhibitions from Asian artists, providing a platform for 21 visual storytellers from the Asia-Pacific region alongside 15 artists from other parts of the world.

MGM Discoveries Art Prize

Promoting the next generation of creators, the **MGM Discoveries Art Prize** has announced its shortlist of emerging talent. A panel of international experts, including Aaron Cezar, Director of Delfina Foundation, and Christopher K. Ho from the Asia Art Archive, will judge the entries. The winning artist will be awarded $50,000 and the opportunity for a future exhibition in Macau.

Public Program

Art Basel Hong Kong will also introduce a comprehensive **Public Program**, offering a range of free events both onsite and offsite. The highlight will be the **Film and Conversations Programs**, designed to facilitate dialogue around contemporary issues in art. Curated for the first time by Para Site, this year’s film segment features seven screenings that emphasize ecological concerns, resilience, and the intersection of humanity and technology.

Local Collaborations

Additionally, the fair will engage with local art institutions such as M+ and Tai Kwun for collaborative projects enhancing Hong Kong’s status as a cultural nexus.

Art Basel Shop

Art lovers can expect a first-time experience with the **Art Basel Shop**, offering unique lifestyle products that capture the spirit of the fair.

Exhibitor Diversity

Featuring 240 exhibitors from 42 countries, including 23 newcomers, the 2025 edition emphasizes global diversity and regional representation. A notable fact is that over half of the presenting galleries hail from the Asia-Pacific region.

Encounters Theme

In the **Encounters** sector, the theme ‘As the World Turns’ will showcase diverse narratives across four platforms: Passage, focusing on resilience and storytelling; Alteration, exploring abstraction; Charge, where digital and physical realms intersect; and The Return, touching on mythology and spirituality.

New Artworks

Among the exciting new artworks, Hong Kong-born artist Christopher K. Ho's brass sculptures and a virtual artwork sales pop-up by Tokyo-based artist Lu Yang are set to intrigue. Additionally, the offsite projects will extend the dialogue beyond conventional art spaces, demonstrating the eclectic nature of modern artistic expressions.

As we gear up for Art Basel Hong Kong 2025, the excitement builds as it promises to not only showcase art but also stimulate conversations that resonate on local and global levels. Don't miss this chance to witness the future of contemporary art!