The recent Art Basel Paris, held at the Grand Palais, served as a vibrant platform for showcasing Hong Kong's rich cultural identity. This event was particularly significant as it marked the beginning of a three-year global partnership between the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and Art Basel, the first of its kind between a tourism organization and the prestigious art fair. The partnership aims to promote Hong Kong as a center for international cultural exchange and a gateway to the Chinese art market. HKTB will participate in four annual shows, including Art Basel in Miami Beach, Hong Kong, and Basel, with thematic experiences designed to highlight Hong Kong's art and culture.
One of the standout features of Art Basel Paris was a pop-up Cha Chaan Teng café, which offered visitors a taste of Hong Kong through specialties like char siu, pineapple buns, and yuen yeung milk tea. This culinary representation underscores the significance of local terms, such as 'cha chaan teng,' in illustrating the adoption of Cantonese words into English. Lisa Lim, an Associate Professor at Curtin University, emphasized the importance of using local terms confidently for broader acceptance, noting that just as words like 'restaurant' and 'cafeteria' have become part of the English lexicon, so too can terms from Hong Kong's vibrant culture.
Art Basel CEO Noah Horowitz expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting its potential to enhance the experience for fair visitors and foster deeper connections between Hong Kong and art communities globally. The partnership officially commenced with Art Basel Paris in October 2024, setting the stage for future cultural exchanges that celebrate Hong Kong's unique identity on an international platform. [d2ea77c2][7d551f33]