The undisputed main event of Art Week, Art Basel returns with another strong lineup of galleries and artists that are sure to have eyes popping and tills ringing for the duration. Featuring works by approximately 3,000 artists presented by 233 contemporary galleries across 37 countries – including a raft of galleries exhibiting in Hong Kong for the first time – the fair is a visual feast for serious collectors and the general public alike. Split into four sectors – Galleries, Encounters, Insights and Discoveries – Art Basel runs the gamut from blue-chip galleries to emerging artists, from West to East, and from the intimate to the epic, making it a must for anyone and everyone.

March 14-17. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai.
www.artbasel.com/en/hong-kong

It may be the new fair on the block, but the team behind Art Central is anything but wet behind the ears. Founded by Tim Etchells, Sandy Angus, Will Ramsay and Charles Ross, who established Art Basel’s precursor, Art HK, in 2008, the fair promises to bring an added edge to Art Week and a complementary counterpoint to Art Basel. Taking place in a 10,000 square metre marquee created especially for the fair, Art Central features more than 75 contemporary galleries from 21 countries, including 31 galleries that are exhibiting in Hong Kong for the first time. Specially invited VIPs can get a sneak preview on Friday March 13.

March 14-16. Central Harbourfront, access through Tamar Park, Lung Wo Road and Star Ferry Terminal.
www.artcentralhongkong.com

For those who’ve only ever experienced art fairs in the vast expanses of convention centres and exhibition halls, the Asia Contemporary Art Show offers a novel perspective, displaying more than 3,000 artworks in the unusual setting of hotel rooms. Held twice-annually, Asia Contemporary attracts notable galleries from all over the world, with the added bonus that many of the artists are present and able to offer insight into their work in a quirky and casual setting.

On the evening before Art Basel is unveiled, the 50-plus galleries in Central and Sheung Wan that comprise the Hong Kong Art Gallery Association, welcome guests for one monumental night of openings. Join the crowds flitting between the blue-chip galleries of the Pedder Building (where Gagosian, Lehmann Maupin and Pearl Lam galleries are among the highlights), 50 Connaught Road Central (home to White Cube and Galerie Perrotin) and a host of other spaces where the champagne and air-kisses will be as ubiquitous as the art.

With its proliferation of raw industrial spaces, Chai Wan has become a mecca for creative types of various stripes in recent years, and now plays host to a growing number of artist’s studios, design showrooms and quirky stores. This two-day festival sees the district showing off its wares with a programme of 45 events and activities.

Like Chai Wan, South Island has been attracting a stream of galleries with its abundance of expansive industrial spaces, particularly in Wong Chuk Hang, where residents include Rossi & Rossi, 3812 Contemporary Art Projects and Blindspot Gallery. This open night sees all of the South Island galleries opening their doors for a fun and friendly evening of talks, events and performances.

As visually enticing as the fairs and shows may be, Art Week is as much about the parties as the art, and there is certainly no shortage of those this year. The headliners are a pair of galas that will be packed to the rafters with many of the biggest names from the worlds of art and business in Hong Kong and beyond.

First up is the Asia Society Art Gala at the Conrad Hotel on Wednesday March 11, where the guests of honour will be Korean sculptor Do Ho Suh, Chinese artists Wucius Wong and Xu Bing, and Pakistani artist Shahzia Sikander. Cranking the glam factor up a notch on Saturday March 14 is the inaugural amfAR Hong Kong event at Shaw Studios near Clear Water Bay, where the city’s business elite