ART HK. Over 100,000 art and antique lovers, collectors and professionals from across Asia, Europe and the USA engulfed the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), when ART HK – Hong Kong International Art Fair and Christie’s Hong Kong Spring Auctions transformed the venue into a mega art gallery last week. The two concurrent events have put Hong Kong and the HKCEC firmly on the international cultural and art map.
Compared with the 2010 version, this year’s ART HK (26 -29 May) has expanded by almost 40% and presented a record breaking 260 galleries from 38 countries. Thousands of visitors and buyers visited to appreciate the array of works by some 1,000 artists, ranging from modern masters to young talents.
To serve this group of sophisticated patrons, the Food and Beverage team of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Management Ltd (HML) committed to deliver high end and innovative gastronomic experience. During the Vernissage on 25 May, 2,080 bottles of champagne and wine were served within four hours. In the subsequent four days of exhibitions, exclusive locations were turned into contemporary dining area, cafes and lounges, offering specialty dishes, cakes, teas, cheeses, chocolates and wine sourced from distinguished brand name suppliers. Experienced staff, including a sommelier, provided attentive services. Even though these outlets would only be operated on a temporary basis, the organiser has commissioned interior designers to create an artistic ambience that matches the exhibition theme. Furniture, tableware and presentation style complementing the theme were also tastefully chosen by HML.
Another world-class event, Christie’s Hong Kong Spring Auctions (27 May – 1 June), was held at the HKCEC during the same period. The auctions featured a variety of high worth items – from classical Chinese paintings and works of art, to cutting-edge contemporary works from artists throughout Asia, as well as fine wine, magnificent jewellery, and important watches. The HML team provided professional event management and security service to accommodate special requirements of the organiser and ensure the display and auctions were conducted smoothly in a comfortable environment.
Ms Monica Lee-Müller, Deputy Managing Director of HML, said, “HML is proud that the HKCEC is the top choice of the two organisers for hosting the most important regional art events. The entire HML team, from event planning and coordination, security, housekeeping to food and beverage departments, have geared to serve the sophisticated exhibitors and visitors during the eight days. Our efforts paid off when we saw the fruitful results of the two events.”
