HONG KONG.- Hong Kong, Asia’s World City, in recent years has garnered international status as the third-largest art auction center in the world, following New York and London. As a preeminent destination for art in Asia and globally, the city hosts a number of art fairs including the upcoming ART HK 12, a prominent fixture on the international art calendar. From May 17-20, Hong Kong International Art Fair will take place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) welcoming over 63,000 guests from all over the world to immerse in the best of Asian and Western art. This year, a total of 266 galleries representing 38 territories will showcase the best of contemporary art, many of which are from the world’s most influential galleries including Gagosian Gallery, Marian Goodman Gallery, Sean Kelly Gallery, Galerie Emmanuel Perrotin, and many more.

“Hong Kong’s living art culture is vibrant and growing exponentially,” said Bill Flora, U.S. Director of Hong Kong Tourism Board. “With Art Basel taking notice of the Hong Kong art scene with a 60% stake in ART HK, it’s not only a sign of validation but an indicator of Hong Kong’s important influence on the global art scene.”

“The gallery scene has been invigorated over the last couple of years by the arrival of major international galleries including Gagosian Gallery (2011), White Cube in March 2012, Pearl Lam Galleries in May 2012, and Emmanuel Perrotin, Simon Lee and Platform China in spring 2012,” said Magnus Renfrew, Fair Director of ART HK 12. “They have strengthened an already vibrant gallery scene in Hong Kong, and are a reflection that the international art world recognises the importance of Hong Kong as the location to launch their commercial activities in Asia.”

World-class galleries and fairs in Hong Kong are lending an outstanding platform for international artists to showcase their art in a critical market, while providing a launch pad for many emerging artists to draw global attention to their work.

Prestigious auction houses located in Hong Kong including Sotheby’s and Christie’s conduct bidding wars with leading art collectors from around the world, and with recent auctions of classical Chinese art at Sotheby’s breaking records—Hong Kong’s art scene is thriving.

For art aficionados and art enthusiasts, the Hong Kong Museum of Art is the perfect place to begin a journey from classical art to modern, contemporary exhibitions. In Asia’s World City, art is pervasive and can be seen around every corner, whether in museums, luxury hotels, or Michelin-starred restaurants—art is an integral part of Hong Kong’s cultural kaleidoscope.