HONG KONG.-The Hong Kong International Arts and Antiques Fair (“HK ART & ANTIQUES 08”), to be staged from 4 to 7 October 2008 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, will mark a new milestone in the exciting and robust Hong Kong art scene. With a unique combination of both antiques and contemporary art, this is the first art fair in Hong Kong in more than a decade showcasing a wide range of collecting categories spanning 5,000 years from the Neolithic period to cutting-edge contemporary art.

This premier art fair will showcase more than 70 leading galleries from Asia, Europe and America presenting 2,000 artworks worth over HK$300 million. The fair promises to be an excellent occasion to appreciate rare and exceptional antique pieces, as well as to discover emerging contemporary artists, and is expected to capture enormous interest from collectors and connoisseurs from around the world.

HK ART & ANTIQUES 08 also features a series of special exhibitions and an Academic Programme including lectures and seminars by leading art experts from Hong Kong and overseas. These will provide a platform for discussion and sharing of views on the latest developments in the global art scene.

The Community Chest of Hong Kong, which is celebrating its 40th Anniversary this year, will be the beneficiary of the fair. All proceeds from the sale of tickets to the Opening Night Reception and the Charity Auction on 3 October will be donated to the Community Chest. The fair is sponsored by Chong Hing Bank.

HK ART & ANTIQUES 08 is scheduled for the peak art season in Hong Kong, coinciding with Sotheby’s Autumn Auctions to be held in the same venue. The fair is open free of charge to the general public from 11 am to 7 pm (4-6 October) and 11 am to 5 pm to 5 pm (7 October). Enquiries: + 852 3107 0681, email: sales@aaifair.com

This unprecedented fair in Asia is organized by Art & Antique International Fair Ltd following the success of three previous fairs held in 2006 and 2007. HK ART & ANTIQUES 08 is highly regarded in the global art world and aspires to the same level of excellence as TEFAF Maastricht, the world's leading Art and Antiques fair. This year’s fair will be expanded to comprise two sections: Antiques and Contemporary Art, and relocated to the internationally renowned Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. A total of 5,000 square metres will be dedicated to this state-of-the-art exhibition which will be especially designed and installed to create a relaxing and stylish ambiance.

Andy Hei, Founder and Director of Art & Antique International Fair, said: “The fair aims to provide a vibrant new platform in Hong Kong for the art world in Asia and worldwide. It offers an unparalleled opportunity for local and International collectors to congregate in this dynamic city to appreciate and acquire art works of the finest quality and creativity. Hong Kong enjoys a prime position as the centre of the art market in Asia and our fair will reaffirm the vital role it plays in the international marketplace.”

Prominent local and international antique galleries will be represented in the fair, including Rossi & Rossi (UK), Carlton Rochell (USA), Asian Art Gallery (UK), Jacqueline Simcox (UK), Danon Gallery (Italy), Kaikodo (USA), M & C Gallery (Hong Kong), Ever Arts Gallery (Hong Kong) and Martin Fung Ltd (Hong Kong), alongside a strong presence of contemporary art galleries such as Goedhuis Contemporary (USA and UK), Sundaram Tagore Gallery (USA), Shinseido-Hatanaka Art Gallery (Japan), CAIS Gallery (Korea), Hanart TZ Gallery (Hong Kong), Kwai Fung Hin Art Gallery (Hong Kong) and Grotto Fine Art (Hong Kong).

On display will be a wide range of antiques including ancient bronzes, Chinese ceramics and works of art, furniture, textiles and jades. The contemporary section will feature exceptional works by celebrated artists in a diversity of artistic styles and media including paintings, sculpture, installations, photography and mixed media. A major focus will be cutting-edge works by emerging young artists in Asia in response to the current strong international market for Asian contemporary art.

The fair also works in close cooperation with the Fine Arts Department of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Art School founded by the Hong Kong Arts Centre. Artworks by students will be exhibited at the fair, giving them an excellent opportunity to express their artistic creativity and develop their potential in the art world.