Top Photo: Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong 2014. Photo: Inga Beckmann

Following the success of its previous editions, Affordable Art Fair returns to Hong Kong this year. The fair attracted 29,000 visitors in 2014 – a 75% increase as compared to 2013 – generating over $36 million in art sales.

Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong 2014. Photo: Inga Beckmann

“We have been overwhelmed by the success in Hong Kong since our first year here and this year is set to be the biggest one yet,” says Stephanie Kelly, Fair Director, “In 2015, we will feature over 130 local and international galleries, an 11% increase from 2014’s event. 60% of these galleries will originate from Asia, with a strong Hong Kong presence, including 22% from the local market.”

Local galleries participating in this year’s fair include BZ Art Studio, Galerie Koo, YY9 The Cat Street Gallery, Odd One Out, Karin Weber and Affinity for ART.

Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong 2014. Photo: Inga Beckmann

Continuing Will Ramsay, its original founder’s aim of enriching lives by making contemporary art accessible, over 1,000 artworks will be on display from around the world, ranging between HK$1,000 and HK$100,000. The favourite ‘Under HK$10,000 Wall’ will also return with an expanded collection to open up the event, in keeping with the philosophy that art is for everyone.

Wing Chan, Urban–Tapestry, Picture This Gallery

“Education is at the heart of this year’s fair with a diverse range of art talks and tours offer insight into different art styles and tips for starting a collection. To learn more quickly, visitors can join the “Gallery Speed Dating” tours for a 30-minute run down on different galleries, art styles, mediums and artists,” says Kelly.

Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong 2014. Photo: Inga Beckmann

The aim this year is to put more art into Hong Kong homes and commercial spaces. Each year, the fair spots designers in search of art pieces for their clients. “Art in commercial space enriches lives for employees, customers and the community as well as adding value to a property. It is an important part of creating a brand story as well as creating an inspiring environment.

Designers should come up with guidelines of themes, artists and/or media to focus on. An art fair is an ideal place view 1,000s of artists in one space, build relationships with gallerists and create collections,” Kelly shares her tips on buying art for commercial spaces.

Boom by Justine Smith. Embossed archival inkjet print on 330gsm Somerset Satin paper. TAG Fine Arts

Taking place in 14 cities around the world each year, to date, the Affordable Art Fair has held over 100 Fairs and connected with over 1.6million people since its inception in 1999. Their fair continues to expand its presence in Asia with its first South Korean, Seoul edition in September.

Providing a platform for young local artists to kickstart their careers, the segment Young Talent Hong Kong in 2015 will see more experimental pieces by emerging artists such as Lau Ching Wa, Chan Chi Hau, Tung Wing Hong, Hui Hoi Kiu, Tsang Tsz Yeung, Wong Hiu Fung and Sim Chan. “We want to continue to support local emerging artists and allow them to practice art full time,” Kelly says.

Affordable Art Fair, Hong Kong
affordableartfair.com/hongkong/