Book Fair Health Risks

The Hong Kong Book Fair is by far the SAR’s largest exhibition with over a million visitors attending last year looking for a bargain or three amongst the plethora of books on sale.

This year’s fair is the first ‘big’ public event in the city post Wuhan virus, and quite simply the HKTDC seem more interested in money than the safety of HongKongers attending the event.

The hygiene and social distancing measures leave a lot to be desired and there are apparently no limits on visitor numbers at the fair. A perfect super virus incubator… with no way to track or trace those who come into contact with an infected person.

The “Reading the World • Inspiring the Mind and Refreshing the Soul” themed fair offers a bit of everything from the casual reader looking for a summer/virus page-turner to the parent looking to drag their child away from a screen. Prices are cheap, and there will be lots of special items and box sets.

The new National Security Law will cause problems for sellers, at least one publisher has already decided not to sell some books at the fair. And you can surely expect a high profile smackdown during the fair of a publisher selling books some insecure twat in Beijing finds too truthful for his liking.

We at bc love the Book Fair, but this year our advice is to stay at home the health risks just aren’t worth it.

Hong Kong Book Fair
Date: 15-21 July 2020
Venue: HK Convention and Exhibition Centre
Tickets: $25
More info:
15-16 July 2020 (Wed-Thur) – 10am-10pm
17-18 July 2020 (Fri-Sat) – 10am-midnight
19-20 July 2020 (Sun-Mon) – 10am-8pm
21 July 2020 (Tue) – 9am-5pm

photos: hkbookfair

Livin’ La Dolce Vita – Italia Mia

The first Italia Mia festival opens on the 20th September with the launch of the Leonardo da Vinci Art and Science Then and Now exhibition at City University of Hong Kong and will run through October and November with a variety of events that showcase Italian creativity, innovation and excellence.

The Consul General of Italy in Hong Kong Mr Clemente Contestabile introduced the new festival in this way… “We are proud to present the first ever Italia Mia Festival in Hong Kong and Macao. Italy is rich in heritage, culture, technology and natural beauty; it is well known for the tastiness of its food and wines; it is the homeland of great personalities of the past and of stylish fashion, design and luxury companies. Italia Mia is here in Hong Kong to bring everyone a taste of Italian flair and character without leaving the city. The Festival may tempt and entice you to travel to Italy as well.”

In October and November, Italia Mia events include “Colours of Asia, Paintings by Francesco Lietti”, “Talk with Beppe Severgnini”, “Bing Bing Wang & Klassic Swing Italian Quartet”, “Waitress on Top – La Serva Padrona”, “Week of Italian Cuisine in the World”, “A Pinch of Salt”, “Nous Quartet”, “Marco Polo and the Sounds of Carnival”, “Salt of the Earth”, “Olivia Steindler Solo Violin Concert”, “White Truffle Extravaganza Dinner”…

Full details of the festival and the many events can be found here www.italiamiafestival

Art Week 2019

The art world focuses on Hong Kong in March with three exhibitions bringing thousands of art pieces from emerging and established artists.

As the old cliche goes ‘one man’s art though is another’s trash’ and you’ll wonder exactly what the attraction of some pieces are – but there’s enough variety that you’ll likely find a few things to discus, enjoy and perhaps even buy.

Art Central
The fifth anniversary edition of a contemporary art fair in the heart of Hong Kong at the Central Harbourfront 26-31 March 2019 (First Night 26 March) with over 100 exhibitors showcasing the next generation of talent alongside some of the most established galleries from across Asia.

Art Central
Date: 26-31 March 2019
Venue: Central Harbourfront
Tickets: tbc
More info:
VIP Preview
Tuesday 26 March, 2 pm – 5 pm

First Night
Tuesday 26 March, 5 pm – 9 pm

General Opening Hours
Wednesday 27 March, 11 am – 5 pm
Thursday 28 March, 12 pm- 9 pm
Friday 29 March, 12 pm – 9 pm
Saturday 30 March, 11 am – 7 pm
Sunday 31 March, 11 am – 5pm

Art Basel
Many of the world’s leading modern and contemporary art galleries display paintings, drawings, sculptures, installations, prints, photography, film, video, and digital art by over 4,000 artists.

Art Basel
Date: 29-31 March 2019
Venue: HK Convention and Exhibition Centre
Tickets: $950-$150 from HKTicketing
More info:
29 March: 1-8pm
30 March: 1-8pm
31 March: 11am-6pm

Asia Contemporary Art Show – Spring Edition 2019
Artworks from Asia and the world at the Asia Contemporary Art Show, March 29 – April 1 at the Conrad Hong Kong. Browse and buy original paintings, limited editions, sculpture and photography from some of the world’s most interesting and promising artists.

Asia Contemporary Art Show – Spring Edition 2019
Date:
 29 March – 1 April, 2019
Venue: 40/F-43/F, Conrad Hong Kong
Tickets: $250
More info:
29 March: 3–9pm
30 March: 1–8pm
31 March: 1–8pm
1 April: 11am-6pm