HONG KONG.- The annual Hong Kong International Art and Antiques Fair will return to the prestigious Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 3-6 October 2010, with a new name: FINE ART ASIA 2010. The new title reflects its status as Asia’s premier annual art fair presenting a unique combination of Art and Antiques.

Last year the fair was attended by 16,500 visitors from all over the world, showcased 4,000 superb works of art exhibited by 60 leading Asian, European and American galleries, and recorded sales of over HK$ 230 million, an increase of 130% over 2008. This premier art event presented a wide range of collecting categories, from museum-quality ancient bronzes, outstanding Chinese ceramics and works of art, furniture, textiles and jades, to exceptional modern and contemporary art.

Andy Hei, Founder and Director of HKIAAF, said: “We are delighted to announce that this year our fair will have a new name: “FINE ART ASIA 2010”. The new name reflects its status as Asia’s premier art fair presenting a unique combination of Art and Antiques. We aspire to the same level of excellence as TEFAF Maastricht, the world’s leading fine art fair.

“The robust sales of our October 2009 fair already reflected signs of recovery in the Asian art market. This Spring, we have witnessed a further upsurge in the art market, boosted especially by the enthusiastic participation and strong buying power of collectors from Mainland China. Hong Kong is now universally recognized as the centre of the art market in Asia and the third most important art auction centre in the world after New York and London. I am confident that Hong Kong will continue to grow as the hub of art business in Asia and play a vital role in the global art scene.”

FINE ART ASIA 2010 has now established a firm foundation as a key annual event in the Asian art world. The high reputation which the fair has earned since its foundation in 2006, ensures that it coincides with Sotheby’s Autumn Auctions in the same venue. Early October is the peak art season in Hong Kong, attracting major international dealers and collectors from around the world.

The unique nature of FINE ART ASIA 2010, where the link between tradition and modernity can be seen and appreciated under one roof, continues to attract the enthusiastic participation of renowned international galleries. These include overseas antique specialists such as Rossi & Rossi (London, UK), Robert Hall (London, UK), Nicholas Grindley Works of Art (Suffolk, UK) and Marcus Flacks (New York, USA), as well as leading local antique dealers M & C Gallery (Hong Kong), Ever Arts Gallery (Hong Kong) and Martin Fung Ltd (Hong Kong). Participating art galleries include Michael Goedhuis (London, New York), Sundaram Tagore Gallery (New York, Beverly Hills, Hong Kong), Grotto Fine Art (Hong Kong), Galerie du Monde (Hong Kong), and art jewellery designer Wallace Chan (Hong Kong).

A special preview of the fair will be held from 2-9 September at 1881 Heritage, an important historical site which has been revitalized and transformed into a new cultural and luxury shopping landmark in Hong Kong. FINE ART ASIA 2010 is the only art fair in Asia which combines Antiques and Art, tradition and modernity, under the same roof. 1881 Heritage, an historical site which now fulfils a contemporary role, is therefore a most appropriate venue for this special preview exhibition. 1881 Heritage, a flagship project by Cheung Kong (Holdings) Limited, is the “Gold Title Sponsor” of FINE ART ASIA 2010. The fair is also sponsored by Chong Hing Bank.