Art Central 2026 opened March 25 at the Central Harbourfront in Hong Kong, showcasing emerging and established Asian and international contemporary artists in its 11th year, and introducing the Central Stage to highlight artists who cross regional and cultural boundaries.
Breaking Out, New Arrival: Central Stage
Curators Yingi Yung and Derek Cheng co-curated this year’s fair, blending international perspective with local insight to give the program fresh energy. The most notable new feature is the inaugural Central Stage, which focuses on artists who have recently emerged within international cultural institutions. Featured artists include SIDE CORE, a Tokyo art collective known for city interventions, Iranian American artist Elnaz Javani, and Lithuanian newcomer Marta Frėjutė.
Crossing Boundaries, When Sculpture Meets Digital and Tradition Meets the Future
This year the fair is larger than ever, gathering more than 100 galleries and 500 artists. It reinforces Art Central’s reputation as one of the Asia Pacific region’s most nimble and forward-looking contemporary art fairs, and it pushes beyond traditional exhibition formats. One eye-catching initiative, the Variant Sculpture and Installation Project, will present five large-scale installations, three of which are by Hong Kong artists. Works include OrangeTerry’s Ready-made Faith and Mo Kai-ching’s Vessel of Solidified Forms, both exploring experimental materials and concepts. A new section, C3NTR4L+, merges digital art with booth presentation, reflecting the fair’s ongoing drive to innovate.
The fair places special emphasis on emerging galleries and artists. The Neo section welcomes six returning galleries and four first-time participants, presenting cutting-edge voices. Among the participants are Marco Lu, a founding member of China’s underground, countercultural collective the Anonymous Painters Association, and London-based digital artist Maxim Zhestkov, both offering works that push creative boundaries.
According to Corey Andrew Barr, director of Art Central, this year’s fair will continue to nurture and promote new perspectives, building bridges between Hong Kong, Asia, and the international art world, and offering visitors at the Central Harbourfront a chance to see how art can integrate into everyday life.
Whether you are a seasoned collector, an art professional, or a curious observer of visual culture, Art Central 2026 invites you to engage with the fair and explore the possibilities of contemporary art across Asia and beyond.
Date: March 25 to 29, 2026
Hours:
March 25, noon to 5 p.m., public hours; 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Central Night program
March 26 to 27, noon to 7 p.m.
March 28, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
March 29, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Central Harbourfront, 9 Lung Wo Road, Central, Hong Kong (Central is the main business district on Hong Kong Island)
