HONG KONG.- The Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong opened its doors for the very first time this weekend [15 – 17 March 2013]. The fair brought with it an array of educational programmes, activities and art talks over three days at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre; bringing contemporary art to all.

The Fair, open to the public Friday 15th through Sunday 17th March, saw some 16,500 visitors enjoying artworks displayed from all over the world. Nineteen local Hong Kong galleries displayed their artworks alongside international galleries from elsewhere in Asia, Europe, the US, Australia and Israel. The local and international gallery presence coupled with the welcoming atmosphere, exciting live art talks and artworks showcased from around the world translated to over HKD 26 million in art sales.

Visitors also had the opportunity to hear from Will Ramsay, Affordable Art Fair’s Founder, Eric Leung Shiu Kee, the Curator of the Young Talent Hong Kong exhibition, author Caroline Ha Thuc and some exciting young Hong Kong artists on the Arty-Licious Evening.

Hong Kong’s Young Talent was a major highlight of the fair, with an on-site exhibition that provided young and emerging local artists a platform in which to showcase their creative works.

“Our first Fair in Hong Kong was a great success both for galleries and their artists, and our local Hong Kong visitors - in fact I think this has been our most successful first Fair ever! We went a long way in achieving our key objective of appealing to an entirely new generation of collectors; breaking down barriers and bringing a fundamental change in the way people view and buy art. We also successfully introduced the Young Talent programme supporting great emerging talent and bringing fresh perspectives into the Hong Kong market,” commented Will Ramsay, founder of Affordable Art Fair.

The complimentary educational programmes were well-attended and presented by Art Equity, who hosted dynamic panel discussions with leading young artists, as well as assisting visitors to navigate their way through the art world. Children also had the opportunity to get involved and create their own ‘works of art’ at the SunK!ds Art Studio, whilst parents relaxed and recharged in the on-site café and exclusive, eye-catching Peroni Bar.

DBS Bank (Hong Kong) were also on hand to offer an array of privileges to provide an extraordinary experience for all art lovers. For those who bought art they went into the lucky draw to win a trip to visit the Affordable Art Fair in Singapore.