Hong Kong Art Month 2025 Spotlight: Art Central’s Corey Andrew Barr
As Art Month takes over Hong Kong, the city is buzzing with creative energy, and at the heart of it all is Art Central 2025. A fair that has become a cornerstone of Asia’s contemporary art scene. We sat down with Corey Andrew Barr, the Fair Director of Art Central, to talk about the city’s evolving art landscape, what makes this year’s edition unmissable, and, of course, whether champagne in hand is a fair-going necessity. Have a look at our conversation below:
What excites you most about the art world?
My interests have evolved over the twenty-plus years I’ve worked in the arts. While the glamour and exclusivity once held some appeal, I’m now deeply passionate about the transformative power of art to change lives. I see this impact most clearly through the connections I make with artists, gallerists, collectors, curators and arts workers of all backgrounds. Building these relationships is an ongoing passion for me, as they remind me of art’s ability to inspire and connect people in meaningful ways.
How long have you lived in Hong Kong, and what is your favourite thing about the city?
It’s been almost twelve years! I love the variety of experiences available here, all within a short taxi or metro ride. Also, it’s much (much) cleaner than New York, my previous home.
What do you think makes Hong Kong’s relationship with the Art World so special?
Historically, the ‘art world’ has been interested in Hong Kong because of its wealth, which drives the highest-value transactions in Asia’s art market. In my time here, I’ve seen more people noticing our world-class museums, thriving galleries and independent art spaces – many of which opened in the past several years.
What sets Art Central apart from other art fairs (in HK, and globally)?
‘Art fair’ is a broad term; some sit firmly in a commercial realm, whereas Art Central places high value on the experience of its visitors, from collectors to art fans, enacted through a dynamic creative programme of performance and video art, large installations and talks that bring active participation from our guests and inspire collectors and art fans to support the galleries and artists on view.
What are you most looking forward to about Art Central this year?
We invited six galleries to present special exhibits on world-renowned artists of the Asia-Pacific in a new feature called ‘Legend’, curated by Enoch Cheng. These include notable artists such as Japan’s Ay-O and the late Emily Kame Kngwarreye, one of Australia’s most influential artists.
For people who are going to Art Central for the first time, what do you recommend they wear?
Comfortable shoes…
What is your take on walking around the fair with a glass of champagne? Dangerous, or necessary?
Neither dangerous nor necessary, but certainly welcome!
Do you recall your favourite artwork you have ever seen at Art Central?
For Art Central 2023, the artist Yang Yongliang installed his artwork on a giant 18-metre LED in a theatrical black-box entrance. This inspired us to install a dedicated onsite cinema this year, which will show a video art programme curated by Aaditya Sathish throughout the run of the Fair.
What are some restaurants or bars that people cannot skip on their visits to Hong Kong?
Head to the outer neighbourhoods. For something authentic, I like Bamboo Village on Temple Street in Jordan.
What are other things you would recommend people to do in HK while they are in town for art week?
Visit the Wong Chuk Hang and Central-Sheung Wan gallery districts. So many discoveries to be made. Maps are available at www.hk-aga.org.
Corey Andrew Barr
Fair Director
Art Central
> 26 – 30 March 2025
There you have it folks, directly from the art-horse’s mouth. If you are curious to learn more about Art Central, or Hong Kong’s epic art month, don’t be shy and reach out to us…we’ll do our best to point you in the right direction.