Art Central returns to HK with first-ever AI-guided tours

The annual Art Central has made its return to Hong Kong, with its first-ever personalised AI-guided tours to elevate consumer experience. 

In partnership with United Overseas Bank (UOB), Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), Black Sheep Restaurant, Soho House Hong Kong and illy, Art Central 2025 brings together 108 exhibiting galleries and 500 artists worldwide. It will feature an array of large-scale art installations, focused works by local artists, community-based art studios, and curated dining experiences.

As a spotlight event of Hong Kong Arts Week, Art Central 2025, funded by Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB), will return to the core landmark of the Central Waterfront in Hong Kong from 26 to 30 March, and a VIP preview will be held in advance on 25 March.

One of the key highlights of the event this year is the debut of the personalised AI-guided tour, aimed at crafting a more exhilarating experience for visitors. Developed in collaboration with Brushstroke AI, these personalised guided tours address trade show-related inquiries, and polish event information tailored to individual preferences.

The AI-guided tour enables visitors to plan their itineraries according to medium, theme, or geographical area, guaranteeing a thoroughly immersive encounter. With the new AI-guided tour, visitors can access information and gain deeper insights into the artists’ backgrounds.

On the other hand, visitors will be able to explore six unique culinary experiences, including Vietnamese street flavours from Chom Chom, Lebanese cuisine from Maison Libanaise, modern izakaya signature dishes from Fukuro, and a taste of the soon-to-be-opened JeanPierre French bistro cuisine, as well as Messina, Hong Kong's top Italian ice cream shop.

As the lead partner of Art Central, UOB has specially commissioned Hong Kong artist Ng Kwun Lun to create an interactive ink art installation, “White Cloud View” (白雲觀照). This installation is part of Ng’s “Cloud Records Series” (雲誌系列), which reviews ancient and modern imagery from fresh perspectives, infuses contemporary thinking, and evokes hope and introspection. It consists of 60 pieces of film composed of white cloud sculptures, each of which is hand-carved and rearranged in a mathematical symbol — infinite “∞” shape, symbolising the law of continuous circulation and endless life. The work also pays tribute to the 60th anniversary of UOB.

In its continuous efforts, UOB has been nurturing artistic talent in Hong Kong and beyond through various programmes, including the “UOB Artist Alumni Network” (大華銀行藝術家校友網絡), which aims to help UOB award-winning artists in Southeast Asia and China expand their visibility.

In addition to the exhibition, UOB has collaborated with a local registered charity “Art Workshop” (藝 · 坊) to invite local artists including Chui Pui Chee, Rebecca Han, Ng Kwun Lun, Yau Wing Fung, Yeung Chung Nga and Simon Yung. Under their guidance, participants can experience abstract ink painting, traditional ink painting, modern landscape painting and experimental ink painting, with all proceeds donate to support arts education for the underprivileged. Visitors can also share their hopes and dreams in the interactive area of “Cloud Drifts” (雲絮飄), using a variety of colorful materials to create their own clouds and visually express their wishes.

Moreover, a symposium titled “Beyond Vision: The Perceptual Reconstruction of Interdisciplinary Art” (超越視覺：跨領域藝術的知覺重構) will be held at 3pm on 29 March at the Central Theatre, as "interdisciplinary" has emerged as a crucial theme in art discussions and research. This talk will assemble experts and scholars for an in-depth dialogue, during which they will share their personal insights and explore the future prospects of cross-cutting art.

Christine Ip Yeung See-ming, CEO, UOB Greater China and UOB Hong Kong branch, said: “This year, we celebrate the 60th anniversary of UOB (Hong Kong) and the 90th anniversary of the UOB Group. Our participation in the tenth Art Central highlights our long-term commitment to nourishing the community through art and people-to-people connections."

"Art is a powerful medium that can bring societies together, foster dialogue, and bridge cultural divides. As we nurture talent and support communities, we want to create inclusive opportunities for all to participate in the arts, and to bring Art to life through platforms like Art Central, allowing us to combine diverse voices on this shared journey to pave the way for a brighter and more connected future," she added.

Done in collaboration with HKTB, Art Central is also presenting “Studio Central”, which focuses on three creative pioneers from Hong Kong and Guangzhou, including artist Maggie Chu, dynamic installation artist Tung Wing-hong, and interdisciplinary artist collective BOLOHO. They draw inspirations from the deep personal connections of architectural landmarks and scenes in Central Sheung Wan, Yau Ma Tei and Sham Shui Po, respectively.

The “Artgathering Community” (藝聚社區) will feature three groups of artists wandering the streets of Hong Kong, drawing inspiration from everyday moments and displaying new work in different communities. As a prelude to Art Central, the project aims to showcase Hong Kong's diverse artistic landscape and highlight the deep connection between artists and the urban community.

Curator Shirky Chan said: “The idea of a neighbourhood has always fascinated me, because it represents not just a physical space, but a community filled with unique memories and meanings of people. By showcasing art that extends from the community, I hope that Studio Central will reveal more of the multiple facets of identity and expression that together build a picture of our city — a process of continuous evolution through creation that will be presented in real time at the show.”

Join us this coming 17 June for #Content360 Hong Kong, an insightful one-day event centred around responsible AI, creativity VS influencers, Xiaohongshu and more. Let's dive into the art of curating content with creativity, critical thinking and confidence!

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