Art Basel Hong Kong 2025: Inside Angelle Siyang-Le's Vision for a Global Hub

As Art Basel Miami Beach approaches, the focus shifts to the Asian art scene, specifically Art Basel Hong Kong, which is gearing up for its 2025 fair scheduled from March 28-30 at the bustling Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year’s event will welcome an impressive lineup of 242 galleries from 42 countries, with a noteworthy emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region—over half of the participating galleries hail from these dynamic locales.

In a recent discussion during the Shanghai Art Week, we connected with Angelle Siyang-Le, the director of Art Basel Hong Kong, to explore her insights on the fair's strategy, future prospects, and Hong Kong's emergence as a prominent global art center.

Siyang-Le's journey began in Mainland China and took root in the U.K. Her extensive experience includes pivotal roles in Dubai's non-profit art sector. When she moved to Hong Kong in 2012, the landscape was barely developed; however, her contributions have since been instrumental in establishing the city as a vibrant art hub. Reflecting on Hong Kong's transformation since Art Basel's debut in 2013, Siyang-Le notes that the event has significantly bolstered local galleries' confidence and creativity.

Despite the setbacks from the global pandemic and ongoing national security concerns, 2023 has marked significant milestones for the city, including the openings of new headquarters for prestigious auction houses like Christie’s and Sotheby’s. "Hong Kong is firmly establishing itself as Asia's main international hub," she asserts, crediting the city's complex historical identity—a fusion of British colonialism and rich Chinese heritage—as integral to its open-minded and adaptive character.

Art Basel Hong Kong serves not only as a marketplace but as a cultural catalyst, nurturing local and international artistic communities. Siyang-Le mentions the necessity of adapting to a broader definition of 'Asian' art, which must embrace diverse regions from Turkey to the Pacific, all uniquely contributing to the contemporary art narrative.

This year’s exhibit promises a strong presence from galleries across the Asia-Pacific, showcasing a mixture of emerging artists and established names. The fair will spotlight solo shows featuring innovative perspectives from galleries such as Lawrie.Shabibi in Dubai and Rossi & Rossi in Hong Kong, along with historical photography presented in the “Insights” section.

A pivotal element of the fair is the “Discoveries” section, designed to spotlight new talent from emerging artists and galleries, particularly during an economically challenging time. With subsidized participation costs, this initiative welcomes newcomers while sustaining traditional artistic narratives. Notably, the blending of established and up-and-coming voices aims to unify and elevate the region’s vibrant art landscape.

This year marks a collaboration with Macao's MGM Resort, which has introduced the MGM Discoveries Art Prize. Valued at $50,000, this award highlights new artists and strengthens community ties across neighboring regions while fostering public investment in art. In a similar vein, the collaboration with Para Site invites fresh energy into the Art Basel Hong Kong film section, engaging a youthful audience that reflects the city's artistic evolution.

Recognizing the importance of digital art, Siyang-Le emphasizes its integration within the fair rather than relegating it to a separate space. By embracing this burgeoning medium, Art Basel Hong Kong aims to bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary forms, capturing the creative spirit of a new generation.

As Hong Kong Art Week approaches, Siyang-Le and her team are busy organizing warm-up events throughout mainland cities like Shenzhen and Chengdu, effectively acting as a prelude to the main fair and expanding the audience's engagement with the art world.

With a plethora of exhibitions and events planned for the upcoming fair, including a continuation of the partnership with M+ Museum to present innovative projects like "Night Charades" by Ho Tzu Nyen, the stage is set for one of the most exciting Art Weeks yet. Siyang-Le captures the essence of Hong Kong's evolution, saying, "The city now serves as a critical bridge connecting Eastern and Western art dynamics, continually shaping the global narrative."

As Art Basel Hong Kong gears up, the countdown begins for an event that promises to elevate the region's artistic landscape and inspire a new wave of art enthusiasts. Will you experience the transformation for yourself? Don't miss out!