Overview of the major art fairs
in Great China Area
In general speaking, the overall quality of art fair in Great China Area:
HongKong > Shanghai > Taipei > Beijing > Others
But every market has its uniqueness, fostering a diverse and richly textured art landscape across the Greater China Area.
SHANGHAI
ART021 Shanghai Contemporary Art Fair
PhotoFairs Shanghai
West Bund Art & Design
Affordabel Art Fair Shanghai
The Shanghai Art Fair
Shanghai, with its cosmopolitan flair and economic prowess, has carved out a significant role in the global art market. The art fairs in Shanghai, such as Art021 and Affordable art fair, not only serve as pivotal events for the region but also stand as major players on the international stage. These fairs attract a diverse audience of high-profile galleries, seasoned collectors, and new enthusiasts, each drawn to the city's unique ability to showcase a blend of traditional Chinese art with cutting-edge contemporary pieces. Shanghai government's commitment to cultural development is evident in its robust support of these fairs, reinforcing the city's status as a hub for artistic innovation and an essential destination for any serious figure in the art world.
In 2022, the transaction scale of Shanghai's cultural and art market reach 12.853 billion RBM, an increase of 44% from 8.9 billion in 2019.
Shanghai government's support for the art market significantly outstrips that of other regions in mainland China, underpinning the city's flourishing creative economy. They are aiming to propel the scale of the city's art industry to reach the hundred-billion level.
Hong Kong holds a prestigious position in the global art fair industry, renowned for its vibrant art market and status as an international cultural nexus. This financial advantage, coupled with a robust network of galleries and a deep-rooted appreciation for the arts, has cultivated a fertile ground for both contemporary and classic works. The success of renowned auction houses in Hong Kong underscores the city’s significant role in the global art trade, setting sales records and underscoring its status as a leader in the market.
HONGKONG
Art Basel Hongkong
Affordable Art Fair HK
Art Central
As the global economy regains its footing in 2024, Hong Kong's major art fairs and exhibitions are returning to their pre-pandemic status. Hong Kong's longstanding international connections and its status as a free port create an unparalleled environment for art trade, making it a tough benchmark to reach for any burgeoning art market.
Beijing
Art Expo Beijing
Jing Art
Beijing Dangdai
Despite Beijing being home to the iconic 798 Art Zone and China's leading auction houses, the quality of art fairs in Beijing is generally perceived to be not as high as those in Shanghai. Art fairs in Beijing are often more susceptible to political influences, which can shape their curatorial decisions and overall atmosphere. This includes the involvement of official art associations, which may skew the representation of art toward certain approved aesthetics or thematic narratives. This political overlay means that art fairs in Beijing can serve as interesting barometers of the current cultural policies, reflecting the government's vision of art's role in society.
The art market in Beijing is quite mature, with informed audience, yet, it faces the challenge of attracting blue-chip or prestigious galleries to its art fairs. However, for art fairs in Beijing, galleries often need to conduct higher level of self-censorship to pass the government screening.
According to Art Basel 2024 Report, the number of galleries in Beijing is nearly 5 times that of Shanghai. Art Fair in Beijing also have the preference of inviting local galleries as their priority.
Taipei’s significance in the art fair industry is marked by its distinctive blend of tradition and modernity, making it an increasingly important node in the network of international art fairs. Taipei's art scene thrives on the island's rich cultural diversity and democratic ethos, which foster a climate of artistic freedom and expression. These qualities are essential for a vibrant art fair environment, allowing a wide spectrum of art to be displayed, from innovative contemporary works to revered traditional pieces. Additionally, Taipei's strategic geographical position and its strong ties to both Eastern and Western art markets enhance its role as a cultural mediator.
According to our interviews, many gallerists from mainland China have expressed concerns that clients in Taiwan typically require the development of long-term, trust-based relationships before transactions can be successfully completed.TAIPEI
Taipei Dangdai
Art Taipei
Art Tainan
Art Taichung
There is also notable participation from Japanese and Korean galleries, which enriches the diversity of the offerings and emphasizes Taipei's role as a hub for pan-Asian artistic exchange. In contrast to the mainland's art fairs, which currently lean towards Western aesthetics and the market pursuit of contemporary art, Taipei's art fairs exhibit a marked preference for Eastern traditional aesthetics. Art fairs in Taipei typically feature a greater selection of ink wash paintings, reflecting the region's cultural heritage and artistic lineage.
OTHERS
Design Shenzhen
DnA Shenzhen
Nanjing Art Fair Internatinational
Guangzhou International Art Fair
........ to be continued🤗
There is a clear trend of growth of reginal art fair in mainland China. The landscape of China's art fairs is witnessing a compelling expansion, with emerging art fairs in cities like Chengdu and Nanjing gaining prominence. These cities, burgeoning with economic and cultural potential, are becoming significant players in the art fair circuit. Their rise is indicative of a broader decentralization trend in the art market, signaling a democratization of art accessibility beyond the traditional power centers.
During our interviews with galleries, one gallerist mentioned that some regional art fairs are founded by major art collectors. Consequently, some well-known domestic galleries participate in these regional art fairs primarily to uphold the reputation of these major collectors, rather than with the expectation of significantly boosting sales or expanding their market. However, other galleries have pointed out that participating in such regional art fairs can also be seen as a way to reach customers in their own cities, which eliminates the need for clients to travel to the gallery's city.
However, art fairs in these emerging cities may encounter drawbacks, such as less international foot traffic and a lower profile compared to established fairs in first-tier cities. The size and sales volumes may not yet compare, and they may attract fewer blue-chip galleries. Yet, this very scenario presents a golden opportunity for emerging galleries. The relatively lower costs of participation and the chance to be a big fish in a smaller pond can be highly advantageous. Our research indicates that regional art fairs often extend discounts to prominent galleries as an incentive to attract their participation, signaling a strategic move to elevate their profile. Despite these efforts, the general quality of these regional fairs remains a subject of debate.