Art Central 2026 has returned to the Central Harbourfront Event Space for its eleventh—and largest—edition, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of Hong Kong Art Month. This year’s fair brings together 117 galleries and more than 500 artists spanning over 50 countries, with a strong regional emphasis: 30% of presentations feature Hong Kong-based artists, while 85% represent the wider Asia-Pacific.
A curated lens on global and regional voices
A standout addition this year is Central Stage, a new curated platform spotlighting six internationally recognized artists engaging with themes of history, identity, and urban transformation. Highlights include Arahmaiani (often referred to as Neo Arahmaiani), whose multidisciplinary work addresses gender politics and cultural commodification, and SIDE CORE, known for embedding street culture into contemporary art discourse.
Meanwhile, the Neo sector continues to serve as a launchpad for emerging galleries, with participants such as Areté Space and The Gallery by SOIL making early appearances at the fair—further underscoring Art Central’s commitment to nurturing new voices.
Monumental works and digital experimentation
The Yi Tai Sculpture and Installation Projects expand the fair beyond traditional booth formats, featuring large-scale works like The Digital Fossiliser by Silvester Mok and Found Faith by OrangeTerry. In parallel, Elnaz Javani contributes a textile-based installation exploring migration and identity.
Digital culture takes center stage in the 2026 program curated by Zoie Yung, including a newly commissioned installation by Kaitlyn Hau titled Recursive Feedback Ritual 0.01. Using motion-capture data, the work interrogates digital embodiment and psychological feedback loops, reflecting broader conversations around technology and the self.
Beyond the booths
Beyond its gallery presentations, Art Central offers a robust lineup of performances, video screenings, and panel discussions. Backed by the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund and lead partner UOB, the fair continues to bridge established practices with experimental approaches.
UOB’s featured commission, White Mirror – The Vista of Inner Worlds by Ling Pui Sze, takes the form of an immersive sculptural ink garden—marking the artist’s largest installation to date.