Opinion | Hong Kong’s art ambitions on display at Venice Biennale
- Almost 20,000 visited the Hong Kong pavilion in its first two weeks, a positive reception that reflects the city’s growing sphere of influence in international contemporary art circles
The first biennale was presented in the Giardini della Biennale, a public garden that remains one of the two main locations. In 1907, the biennale introduced national pavilions, providing countries with dedicated spaces to exhibit their art. By 1980, the biennale had expanded to the Arsenale, a historic shipyard and armoury on the city’s outskirts.
The biennale appoints an internationally renowned curator for each edition and highlights a theme. The primary event is held in the Giardini and the Arsenale, complemented by collateral events approved by the biennale curator.
Hong Kong first presented a pavilion in 2001 as part of the collateral events programme. Since then, numerous local artists and curators have represented Hong Kong at Venice, and many have subsequently forged international careers.
The council has established the Hong Kong pavilion at arguably one of the Biennale’s most high-profile locations. Many national pavilions have maintained their decades-held locations in the Giardini or the Arsenale, and demand for space outstrips supply. So, our location directly opposite the Arsenale entrance is pretty special.
