HONG KONG.- ART HK 09 Hong Kong International Art Fair will return to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 14-17 May 2009, with Vernissage opening on 13 May.

Following the success of the inaugural event last year, ART HK has emerged as the leading art fair in Asia. ART HK presents an unparalleled opportunity to see some of the freshest and most exciting work being produced around the world today, alongside modern masters from the 20th century.

ART HK 09 will once again bring together over 110 of the world's most celebrated international galleries from 24 countries, building on Hong Kong's long established reputation as the gateway between East and West. This year SCMP | ART FUTURES will be a new section dedicated to solo and two-artist presentations from young galleries focusing on emerging artists.

In addition, visitors can browse in the art bookshop or attend daily talks by artists and collectors organised by the Asia Art Archive. For those new to looking at art, introductory guided tours can be arranged.

ART HK 09 is proud to present the SCMP | ART FUTURES section at the Fair this year as a new initiative with the specific intention of attracting younger galleries to the Fair, showcasing emerging artistic talent from around the world.

After the first edition of ART HK in May 2008, the view was taken that in order to attract new galleries with a more experimental programme, it was vital to incentivise them by subsidising their participation. It is vital for an art fair to nurture young talent, be it artists or galleries, who might be the stars of the future. Younger, less expensive art also offers an interesting opportunity for young or first-time buyers. Emerging art is often fresher and more diverse, as well as giving buyers the opportunity to invest in artists at a very early stage within their careers.

Out of a number of applications, 12 galleries from across the world, from Mexico, Italy, Germany, Japan, China, Australia, Singapore, and Indonesia have been selected by the Fair selection committee to show dedicated one or two artist presentations at their stands ranging from video and photography to painting and installations.