HK Observer: Basel dazzle

Robert Carroll

Regardless of widespread pessimism about the future of the core aspects of the local economy, there is no doubt that the vibrant health of the territory has given it a new role as an arts hub for both fairs and auctions. Art Basel, the world leader in art fairs, had USD3 billion worth of art for sale at the Hong Kong fair alone – one of three annual Art Basel fairs. Purists may complain about the over-commercialization of art at major fairs, but there’s no doubt that the vortex created by events like this one is a substantial stimulus for local galleries, artists and creative media in general – not to mention party-goers. It generates such a buzz that even Michelin-starred restaurants compete with each other to produce the best artistically themed dishes.
Surprisingly, in hindsight, this development has come about in what was not-so-long-ago a near cultural desert. Showing that despite fears about the erosion of rights and freedoms, Hong Kong, as an English-speaking, duty-free entrepôt with excellent infrastructure and service industries, has got what it takes to be one of perhaps only two cities in East Asia able to host such prestigious events – the other being Singapore.
Why harp on about an industry servicing a tiny elite that buys and collects major works of art? Because, firstly, although it may not be of much interest to, or affect, the average man on the street, creating and maintaining regional hubs are some of the well-established means of expanding the local economy, thanks to geography, history and human capital. Hong Kong has recently become for art and wine what it has long been for air transport shipping and siting of regional headquarters: an internationally recognized center for art and wine.
Diversification of the economy has long been an official goal here, particularly the encouragement of creative industries. Producing and collecting art may well be considered effete, belonging to a rarified atmosphere and beyond reach for most citizens in the territory. However, ever-increasing numbers of young artists and designers reveal that many more are making careers in industries that were once considered impossible dreams because the opportunities were just not there. As is clearly demonstrated in major hubs for creative industries, such as London and New York, there’s a mushroom effect in a range of arts; not just fine art, but popular arts entertainment, design and related supporting industries.
We should not also forget the more intangible benefits of being a hub for prestige events selling high-status goods; its valuable publicity that translates into high-end tourist dollars. We are well-established as one of the must-visit great cities of the world for top spenders, so Art Basel and the now many satellite events joining in for ‘Hong Kong Art Week’ can only be good for Brand Hong Kong.
Next time you take a plane out of Hong Kong, you may want to reflect on why you are asked to pay a surcharge of HKD180 per person for the privilege of funding a new runway, when the airport authority can afford to fund and borrow for the extension itself. Hong Kong’s air space is crowded and will remain so until there’s more access to Guangdong airspace, but there’s been no progress there. Some experts say that we could more fully utilize existing facilities if Guangdong opened up its skies, and then a new runway would be unnecessary. So why is the government avoiding putting the matter to debate in the Legislative Council? Is it because it knows that when the project is held up to finer scrutiny, holes may appear in its arguments and in the reasoning of the airport authority? We already have enough polemical – many say wasteful – and expensive infrastructure projects. Furthermore, these are draining the public purse at a time when health funding is not keeping up with needs, schools are being closed down instead of allowing smaller classes and better teaching, and the question of much needed provision for the elderly is not being addressed.