Art Basel unveils plans for Hong Kong show

HONG KONG (AFP) - Art Basel on Tuesday unveiled the lineup for its inaugural Hong Kong show in May, in which it promised "the strongest combination of galleries from East and West that the art world has ever seen".

The art fair franchise bought a controlling stake in Art HK two years ago to take over the management of Hong Kong's biggest annual art event, giving it a presence in the southern Chinese city, a gateway to Asia's booming art market.

The May fair will mark the first time the Hong Kong event is run by its new organisers, which are owned by Switzerland-based MCH Group.

Art Basel also operates a yearly show in Miami, as well as its flagship event in Switzerland.