Collect Hong Kong Art Fair: celebrating local creativity
Organised and presented solely by the Hong Kong Arts Centre (HKAC), Collect Hong Kong will run from March 21 to 29, 2026, at the Hong Kong Arts Centre in Wan Chai.
What sets Collect Hong Kong apart from the larger, more global fairs is its sharp focus on supporting emerging and established local artists. The fair aims to nurture the “burgeoning wave of artistic talent” in Hong Kong, while raising public appreciation for their work. It showcases innovative pieces across diverse media – from paintings and sculptures to experimental installations and mixed-media works – highlighting the creative breadth of Hong Kong’s art community.
The Seed: The Collectible Art Fair 2023
The roots trace back to October 2023 with The Collectible Art Fair, held from 22 October to 16 November at HKAC’s Pao Galleries and Jockey Club Atrium. Co-presented by the Hong Kong Arts Centre and the Hong Kong Art School (HKAS), and organised by the HKAS Alumni Network Committee, the fair was conceived with a clear dual mission: to nurture the next wave of art talent, and to heighten public awareness of local artists’ work.
An open call in May 2023 attracted a remarkable response from alumni across Hong Kong and beyond. Artists connected to HKAC and HKAS were also invited, culminating in over 200 participants showcasing more than 300 artworks spanning painting, ceramics, installation, photography, video, and more. Free public guided tours were provided, with all proceeds, after expenses, donated directly to HKAS to support its studio practice programs.
The fair’s modest but heartfelt scale demonstrated a strong desire for a dedicated platform for Hong Kong’s creative talents. It laid the groundwork for future endeavours.
Collect Hong Kong 2025 ©Culture Plus
The Breakthrough: Collect Hong Kong 2025
HKAC took the next leap in 2025: Collect Hong Kong debuted as a flagship event from 22 March to 4 April 2025, deliberately timed to coincide with the city’s bustling “Art March.”
It expanded beyond alumni to embrace students and graduates from multiple invited art institutions, emphasizing innovative work in diverse media.
Collect Hong Kong 2026, Press Conference (15 January 2026) Ms. Rebecca Ip, Prof. Kurt Chan, Mr. Peter Lau, Ms. Yandy Chan, Prof. Raymond Fung, Mr. Gary Mok
An exciting 2026 edition
The open call received 1,257 artwork submissions from 530 local artists – a record that dwarfed previous editions. After rigorous selection by art consultant Gary Mok Wai-hong and a jury panel, more than 500 high-quality works were chosen.
Collectors’ Choice: Wong Kar Wai x Tino Kwan, “Happy Together Diptych”, 2006/2001
For the first time in 2026, the fair introduces four themed exhibition zones:
- Collectors’ Choice: highlighting works appealing to seasoned collectors
- Esteemed Circle: featuring respected or notable artists
- Jury’s Choice: showcasing a curated selection by professional jurors
- Collective Horizons: emphasizing collaborative or forward-looking themes
Esteemed Circle: Wilson Shieh, “No Buy, No Eat”, 2026
This structure helps visitors navigate the fair while discovering pieces that range from accessible entry-level works to more ambitious statements, making it welcoming for both first-time buyers and dedicated collectors.
Jury’s Choice: Verity, “Chartres Garden”, 2024
Admission is free, with opening hours from 10am to 8pm daily, encouraging broad public participation. The fair positions itself as a community-oriented celebration of Hong Kong’s thriving art scene, fostering connections between artists, galleries, collectors, and enthusiasts.
Beyond the main exhibition, Collect Hong Kong Art Fair 2026 enriches the experience with a lineup of five key accompanying events:
- Masterclasses led by experienced practitioners
- Hands-on workshops for interactive learning
- Art dialogues and panel discussions exploring current trends
- An “artist blind dating” session as a fun, networking format for creative collaborations
- A hop-on hop-off art gallery bus tour connecting visitors to nearby venues
These programs add educational and social layers, turning the fair into more than just a viewing opportunity: it’s a space for dialogue, skill-building, and new artistic connections.
Whether you’re a longtime art lover in Hong Kong or visiting during Art Month, Collect Hong Kong Art Fair offers a refreshing, community-driven perspective on the city’s contemporary scene. With its emphasis on talent development and public engagement, this unique fair is poised to inspire new generations of collectors and creators alike.
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Collect Hong Kong Art Fair 2026
21 March – 29 March
Hong Kong Arts Centre
2 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Detailed schedule: https://hkac.org.hk/en/collecthk/