Hong Kong Arts Month: The Best Shows, Exhibitions And Events In Town

The stand-out art happenings this month.

March is Hong Kong’s Arts Month, which can be both exciting and completely overwhelming. With everything from fairs and screenings, to shows, exhibitions, performances and family days, there’s a lot to choose from. But don’t fret – we’ve done the legwork and sorted out the very best of the lot, so whether you’re an art connoisseur or a complete newcomer, there’s something to suit all ages.

Read more: Free Things To Do: Where To Take The Kids In March

Give the kids a history tour of their city, and an interesting health lesson with this international cultural project. Staged across three cities: Geneva, New York, and (of course) Hong Kong, it explores disease and contagion and features a showcase of curated art as well as a heritage exhibition of the impact of the 1890s Plague in early colonial Hong Kong.

When: Now until Sunday, 21 April, 11am to 7pm (open until 9pm every Friday)
Where: JC Contemporary and Lower E Hall & G/F, D Hall, Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
How much: Free admission

Explore Hong Kong’s life and cityscape through local film photographer Sushi Chan’s lens. TRACK BACK & FORWARD 2018 features speakeasies and restaurants with both retro and futuristic twists. The project looks to be an interesting take on nostalgia in our new-age city.

When: Friday, 1 March to Sunday, 31 March
Where: Sense 99, 2/F, 99F Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong
How much: Free admission

Draw HK promotes drawing as an essential life skill, proving that anyone can wield a pencil, regardless of age or ability. Designed to encourage young people to draw, the community art project has reached hundreds of local students and professional artists. Head to PMQ this month to show your support! You and the family can also participate in a workshop on Sunday, 10 March, suitable for ages 10 and above.

When: Exhibition – Friday, 1 March to Tuesday, 12 March, 10am to 8pm; Event Day – Sunday, 10 March, 10am to 5pm
Where: PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong
How much: Free admission for both – register online in advance for selected workshops

Bringing the best of India to Hong Kong, the fifth edition of India by the Bay is featuring stellar events with award-winning musicians, celebrated authors, Bollywood actresses as well as great food, traditional dance, meditation and more! We’re particularly excited for the Family Day (Sunday, 3 March, 11am to 4pm) with fun-filled activities and performances.

When: Friday, 1 March to Saturday, 9 March; Family Day, Sunday, 3 March, 11m to 4pm
Where: Asia Society Hong Kong Center, 9, Justice Drive, Admiralty, Hong Kong
How much: Prices vary according to event – book your ticket here

This two-weekend extravaganza features local and overseas talents. Head to Tai Kwun for site-specific performances, street battles, family and children workshops and screenings. Genres include community, contemporary and urban dance.

When: Saturday, 2 March, Sunday, 3 March, Saturday, 9 March, Sunday and 10 March; 10am to 10pm (check out the programme for exact times)
Where: Various locations in Tai Kwun (Parade Ground, Prison Yard, F Hall Studio at Block 17, Laundry Steps), Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
How much: Free admission

Promising to be more than just an ordinary craft market, illusfairHK will be hosting free talks by professional illustrators, workshops, and live drawing demonstrations! Featuring over 80 participating artists, this is definitely a fair we’ve got our eye on.

When: Friday, 8 March, 7pm to 10pm; Saturday, 9 March and Sunday, 10 March, 12pm to 7pm
Where: L1 Gallery & Courtyard, Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre, 30 Pak Tin Street, Shek Kip Mei, Kowloon, Hong Kong
How much: Free entry – register here

Hong Kong Arts Festival showcases everything from western opera to classical music, dance, theatre and more. Our pick is this “P is for PERCUSSION! Family Concert” that features over 5o western and eastern instruments played by renowned percussionist Li Biao and his ensemble. Join in on the Family Day and enjoy a percussion exhibition, foyer performances, and thumbiano and musical bottle workshops. Suitable for children aged 3 years and above.

When: Saturday, 16 March, Family Day from 11am to 8pm, Concert at 8pm
Where: Concert Hall, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, L5, Auditoria Building, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
How much: $140 to $450 – buy your ticket here

Bamboo Scenes is teaming up with lifestyle brand, Home Kong, to launch a special street photography exhibition this month. Kicking off with an art block party, the exhibition will showcase new and loved works of over 20 Bamboo Scenes artists.

When: Saturday, 16 March onwards
Where: Bamboo Scenes, 13 Fuk Sau Lane, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
How much: Free admission

Definitely one of the most anticipated art events every year, Art Central is back for its fifth edition with 107 galleries from 22 countries. The fair will feature everything from performance art to large scale installations, talks from leading contemporary artists, striking work and more. Not to be missed.

When: Wednesday, 27 March to Sunday, 31 March; Wednesday, 27 March, 11am to 5pm; Thursday, 28 March, 12pm to 9pm; Friday 29 March, 12pm to 9pm; Saturday, 30 March, 11am to 7pm; Sunday, 31 March, 11am to 5pm
Where: Central Harbourfront Event Space, Lung Wo Road, Central, Hong Kong
How much: $230, discounts available – buy your ticket here

Would it really be art month without Art Basel? Back for its seventh edition in Hong Kong, this weekend-long exhibition will feature works by emerging and established artists presented by over 200 leading galleries across Asia, Europe, North and South America, the Middle East and Africa.

When: Friday, 29 March to Sunday, 31 March
Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How much: Various prices and packages available – buy your ticket here