Art Basel satellite fairs look to appeal to the younger, edgier crowd
Art Basel's satellite fairs target those who might not attend or shop seriously at more expensive main fine arts show at the convention centre
A satellite art fair that cost US$1 million to launch opened its doors ahead of the main fair, Art Basel, on Thursday, targeting a younger crowd with edgier and more political artworks.
The inaugural Art Central opened to press and selected guests, displaying works including those from an emerging market or by emerging artists at less intimidating prices.
The fair is an attempt to import a satellite fair culture from overseas, mimicking those held in places such as Miami Beach - where Art Basel also stages an annual fair.
Booths from more than 75 galleries and 21 countries showing emerging and established artists from Hong Kong and overseas are housed under the roof of a 10,000 square metre tent erected in the Central Harbourfront.
Among the exhibiting galleries, 65 per cent came from Asia - including 19 from Hong Kong. There's also a "Rise" section, focusing on emerging galleries and artists.
Tim Etchells, chief executive of Art Central, said it cost US$1 million to launch the fair, including site rental and construction of the tent. "It's four times more expensive than the Convention and the Exhibition Centre," said Etchells, adding the fair was prepared to lose money in its first year.
